When it comes to holiday cheer, Melissa Joan Hart goes all in. This isn’t just a December thing for her. In fact, the actress, known for her role in "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," keeps the festive spirit alive all year round. During a recent exclusive interview with Closer Weekly at Christmas Con, presented by That’s4Entertainment, Melissa shared her unique approach to decorating.
Living the Holiday Dream in Lake Tahoe
“We live in Lake Tahoe, where the festive ambiance never fades. We keep our decorations up pretty much year-round. We’re one of those families,” Melissa, now 43, revealed with a laugh. “When you live in a log cabin, it naturally feels like Christmas. The swag stays on the balcony, and who’s counting? Everything around us echoes that woodsy, Christmassy vibe, no matter the season.”
Decorating as a Family Affair
Melissa, who shares three children with her husband, Mark Wilkerson, ensures that decorating is a family tradition. “When we’re back on the East Coast, where we also reside, we start early. My husband, Mark, is the mastermind behind our extravagant displays,” Melissa explained enthusiastically. “We place a wreath on every window, swag on every railing, and little ornaments on every windowsill. Each bookshelf transforms into a festive wonderland. I have a collection of Santa photos over the years, replacing the regular ones with these magical moments. These photos date back to when Mark and I first met in 2002.”
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The Magic of Holiday Traditions
For Melissa, the holidays revolve around her loved ones. “Everything we do is centered around the holiday spirit. From baking cookies to hosting tacky sweater parties, every activity is a cherished moment,” Melissa gushed. “One of my favorite traditions, which my parents introduced when we were kids and we now practice with our children, is waiting at the top of the stairs on Christmas morning. We sit there, filled with anticipation, waiting for mom and dad to check if Santa has visited.”
“This tradition dates back to a time when my mom fell asleep too early, and Santa hadn’t come yet, forcing us to return to bed,” Melissa fondly recalled. “It’s an incredible experience. Sitting on top of the stairs, the anticipation, the gathering—it’s the best moment of your life. That 30 seconds to a minute is pure magic. It’s the highlight. The kids have to wait until mom and dad confirm Santa’s visit, giving me time to set up the camera, turn on the lights, and light the fire. It’s truly heartwarming!”
View this post on InstagramA lovely brunch after church with my boys who made me a mother, and make me feel so special on this lovely day! 🌷🌷🌷🌷
All these heartwarming traditions make us even more excited for the upcoming holiday season!
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