Zooey Deschanel on Creating ‘Core Memories’ With Kids During the Holidays

Zooey Deschanel isn’t wasting any time getting into the holiday spirit with her loved ones this year.

“I’m like a Christmas fanatic. I love Christmas. I’ve loved Christmas since I was a little kid. It’s my favorite time of year,” Deschanel, 46, exclusively told Us when helping introduce Bath & Body Works’ Season of Wonder campaign. “I love Christmas carols. I love Christmas cookies. I love decorating. I love the smells of Christmas. I love the sounds of Christmas. Like, I’m just a big holidays girl.”

Growing up, the New Girl star remembers having a dad who loved the holidays, but had an unusual tradition where he didn’t like to decorate the Christmas tree.

As she continues to bring the holiday magic to her two kids with ex-husband Jacob Pechenik, the Elf actress is all about going big when expanding family traditions.

Zooey Deschanel Didn't Realize She Was Making a Christmas Movie With 'Merv'

“It’s those core memories that kids are bringing with them into their adulthood,” she explained to Us. “I think being a mom, I think Christmas is also getting to kind of relive my childhood, getting to celebrate, and I love getting to do it. I want to experience the holiday season fully. I want to do all the things. I don’t want to miss out on any holiday experience.”

Zooey Deschanel Courtesy of Bath & Body Works

Deschanel said she “can’t go a Christmas season” without cookies, carols, cooking, family time and holiday scents. Perhaps, then, it’s only perfect that she teamed up with Bath & Body Works just in time for the busiest shopping day of the year.

This year’s Season of Wonder collection pairs nostalgia with discovery, making wonder tangible through consumers’ seasonal favorites alongside new product forms and gifting options. Some favorites in the collection include the Snowflakes & Cashmere 3-wick candle, Vanilla Cocoa Flurries fine fragrance mist, Pure Wonder foaming hand soap and more.

“All of their scents are made by the same perfumers as the sort of luxury categories,” Deschanel explained. “It’s basically affordable luxury. And the nice thing too is that you don’t have to choose. You can get a lot of different scents. That’s really nice.”

Zooey Deschanel Vivien Killilea

Deschanel said she’s been a fan of Bath & Body Works “for many years” and remembers visiting the stores as early as high school.

“They have been around making beautiful scents and introducing new ones every year,” she shared. “Moonlit Goddess is my favorite everyday set. I also love the Snowflakes & Cashmere [scent].”

Once Halloween is complete, Deschanel plans to put up her Christmas tree and start crafting with her children at home.

Jonathan Scott and Zooey Deschanel Are a Perfect Match at 2025 SAG Awards

Generate poster / share QR code