For Alexandra Breckenridge, Christmas has never been about extravagance or spectacle—it has always been about magic, memory, and the quiet moments that bind families together.

And as the Virgin River star continues to dominate Netflix screens with both heartfelt drama and festive romance, fans are discovering that the warmth she brings to her characters is deeply rooted in her real life as well.

While promoting her holiday hit My Secret Santa, Breckenridge opened up about a cherished Christmas tradition that stretches back to her own childhood—and

one she now lovingly continues with her two children. It’s a simple ritual, but one filled with meaning: on Christmas Eve, her kids are allowed to open just one present. The rest must wait until morning.

It’s a tradition passed down from her mother, and for Breckenridge, it represents everything she values about the holiday season—anticipation, togetherness, and the joy of savoring special moments rather than rushing through them.

A Childhood Tradition Reimagined

Breckenridge recalls how, growing up, Christmas Eve always carried a sense of electric excitement. The single gift her mother allowed her to open wasn’t about the size or value of the present, but about the feeling it created. It was a small taste of what was to come, a way of stretching the magic just a little longer.

Now, as a mother herself, Breckenridge has recreated that same sense of wonder for her daughter Billie and son Jack. Every year, as Christmas Eve arrives, the ritual unfolds once more—one gift, carefully chosen, opened amid laughter, speculation, and wide-eyed excitement.

Of course, her children have already begun testing the limits of the tradition.

“They try to negotiate,” Breckenridge admitted with a laugh, revealing that Billie and Jack frequently attempt to bargain their way into opening more than one present. Their playful persistence has become part of the fun, a reminder that traditions evolve not by staying rigid, but by being lived in.

Creating Christmas Magic as a Mother

Speaking candidly about the holidays, Breckenridge shared that creating Christmas magic for her children is now one of the most meaningful experiences of her life. While her career has taken her across film sets and into millions of homes worldwide through Virgin River, nothing compares to watching her kids experience the season with belief, excitement, and imagination.

For Breckenridge, Christmas isn’t just a day—it’s a feeling she works to cultivate throughout the season. Decorating the house, talking about Santa, and maintaining traditions like the Christmas Eve gift all contribute to an atmosphere that feels intentional and heartfelt.

That philosophy mirrors the emotional core of Virgin River itself. The show has resonated so strongly with audiences precisely because it emphasizes connection, healing, and the power of simple gestures. Much like Mel Monroe, the character Breckenridge has brought to life for six seasons, she believes that small acts of love often carry the greatest impact.

A Holiday Season Filled With Surprises

This year, however, the Breckenridge household is taking Christmas magic to an entirely new level. In addition to gifts from Santa and grandparents, Breckenridge revealed that she and her husband have planned a surprise family trip to Disney World—a reveal that promises to be unforgettable.

The decision wasn’t just about spectacle. For Breckenridge, the trip represents an opportunity to create lasting memories, to step away from busy schedules and immerse her family in shared joy. Disney World, with its mix of nostalgia, imagination, and storytelling, felt like the perfect extension of her values around the holidays.

It’s easy to imagine the moment her children learn about the trip: disbelief giving way to excitement, questions tumbling out all at once, and the realization that Christmas can still feel magical even as they grow older.

Balancing Stardom and Family Life

Breckenridge’s ability to remain grounded despite her success is something fans often admire. Since joining Virgin River, she has become one of Netflix’s most recognizable faces, anchoring a series that consistently ranks among the platform’s most-watched shows worldwide. At the same time, she has led multiple holiday films, including My Secret Santa, which quickly climbed the global charts upon release.

Yet, despite her busy schedule, Breckenridge has been intentional about maintaining normalcy at home. Traditions like the Christmas Eve gift serve as an anchor, grounding her family in routine and continuity even as her professional life continues to expand.

This balance is something many fans relate to deeply. In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced and demanding, Breckenridge’s emphasis on presence over perfection strikes a chord—especially during the holidays.

Parallels Between Alexandra and Mel Monroe

Fans of Virgin River will likely notice striking parallels between Breckenridge and her character, Mel Monroe. Both women are nurturers at heart, driven by empathy, resilience, and a desire to create safe spaces for the people they love.

Mel’s journey on the show has been shaped by grief, hope, and the gradual rebuilding of family and belonging. Similarly, Breckenridge’s approach to motherhood reflects a deep understanding of emotional continuity—of honoring the past while shaping the future.

Just as Mel finds meaning in small-town rituals and emotional honesty, Breckenridge finds magic in a single Christmas Eve present, in laughter-filled negotiations with her kids, and in the quiet satisfaction of carrying a tradition forward.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of This Story

There’s a reason stories like this resonate so powerfully with Virgin River fans. The series has always thrived on emotional authenticity, and Breckenridge’s real-life traditions reinforce why audiences feel such a strong connection to her.

Her openness about family life doesn’t feel performative or overly polished. Instead, it feels genuine—like a reminder that even those who live in the spotlight find their greatest joy in the same places as everyone else: around the tree, in shared anticipation, and in moments that become memories.

As the holiday season unfolds, Breckenridge’s Christmas tradition stands as a quiet but powerful testament to the enduring value of family rituals. In a time when so much feels uncertain, these traditions offer stability, comfort, and something to look forward to year after year.

A Holiday Message That Lingers

Ultimately, Alexandra Breckenridge’s Christmas story isn’t just a charming anecdote—it’s a reflection of what the season represents at its best. It’s about slowing down, holding onto what matters, and creating magic not through excess, but through intention.

For Virgin River fans, it’s yet another reason to admire the woman behind Mel Monroe. Whether she’s bringing emotional depth to a beloved series, leading a festive Netflix hit, or quietly recreating a childhood tradition for her own children, Breckenridge continues to embody the warmth and heart that viewers have come to cherish.

And as Christmas morning arrives—after one carefully opened gift on Christmas Eve—it’s clear that in the Breckenridge household, the magic is alive and well.