Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently sat down for a chic and candid conversation covering the holidays, thoughtful gift-giving, and her newest fashion-forward project. With her signature humor, she laughed about the early days of her relationship with Barack Obama, admitting he wasn’t exactly a natural gift-giver though these days, he’s clearly leveled up and even taps into her stylist.
Michelle shared that during her time in the White House, she sent out more than 100,000 Christmas cards, thoughtfully including friends, family, staff, and her nonprofit community. A true holiday enthusiast, she also revealed she typically orchestrates the gifting herself. While Christmas at the White House was magical, it came with marathon photo sessions hundreds of snapshots over three-plus hours with guests.
She also spoke fondly of a cherished tradition: reading a whimsical “letter from Santa” each year, lovingly written by a close friend. These days, Michelle is enjoying the simple luxury of driving again mostly on Martha’s Vineyard and especially treasures quiet car rides with her daughters Malia and Sasha, moments she says feel deeply grounding.
The conversation turned to her podcast with her brother Craig, a project close to her heart, particularly after the loss of their mother. She shared that a recent episode featuring Katt Williams brought plenty of laughter.
On the fashion front, Michelle highlighted her beautifully illustrated book, The Look (released in November), where she reflects on using style as a powerful form of communication, inclusion, and self-expression. The ultimate personal touch? She’s now gifting the book to close friends and family a stylish keepsake with meaning woven into every page.