In a new series, USA TODAY’s The Essentials, celebrities share what fuels their lives.
Hilary Duff is embracing the holiday spirit this season. But even the “How I Met Your Father” actor and producer isn’t immune to the pressures during this time of year.
“I love the holidays so much,” Duff tells USA TODAY, and thoughts of how to survive the season are top of mind for the former Disney star, who just announced she’s pregnant with her fourth child. (Duff is married to musician Matthew Koma and mom to Luca, 11, Banks, 5, and 2-year old Mae.)
Duff, 36, is focused on giving back to other families, partnering with Target to surprise Los Angeles shoppers with gift cards ahead of the Target Circle Holiday Giveaway sweepstakes, in which 500 members of the loyalty program were randomly chosen to win a $500 shopping spree.
“I love prepping, I love decorating, I love doing activities every year with my kids. But also, it is a lot of stress,” she says. “And especially as a parent, you put a lot of pressure on yourself to outdo yourself every year or make sure that everyone’s happy.
“It’s taken me having three kids to be like, ‘I am not in control of everyone’s emotions all the time − or their happiness. But it’s a hard pill to swallow for sure as a parent, and it’s just something that you have to let go and be like, ‘It’s not always how I pictured it is going to be.'”
Here are Duff’s essentials for the holiday season − and a lasting career in the industry.
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