The 40-year-old actress, who welcomed daughter Matilda in 2023 with fiancé Tom Pelphrey, says Christmas in their home now revolves around “Tildy,” whose growing interests are shaping the family’s new festive routines. Cuoco opened up to PEOPLE about motherhood, gratitude, and giving back through Subaru’s Share the Love Event, saying she feels more emotional than ever at Christmastime.
A toddler-approved holiday plan
“Christmas Day has become Tildy day. It’s all for her!” Cuoco said, describing how the family spends the entire day in cozy clothes, unwrapping gifts and eating together.
The actress added that 2½-year-old Matilda has developed a new seasonal obsession — and it has unexpectedly become tradition.
“Thanks to my daughter’s obsession with Jack Skellington, we have watched The Nightmare Before Christmas 400 times this holiday season! Looks like this will be a tradition for years to come,” she joked.
Although humorous, the admission underscores a theme familiar to parents: young children reshape holiday rituals in sweet and surprising ways.
Meaningful time together
Cuoco said slowing down and savoring family time has become a priority.
“The older I get the more emotional I get during the holidays,” she reflected. “It reminds me of what little time we have and how grateful I am to have my health and my wonderful family.”
With both Cuoco and Pelphrey balancing parenting with busy film and television careers, they plan to keep holiday celebrations intimate, intentional, and centered on Matilda’s joy.
Giving back remains core value
Cuoco’s seasonal focus extends beyond family traditions.
As part of Subaru’s Share the Love Event, she is encouraging fans to give back to communities in need between Nov. 20 and Jan. 2.
“I love large companies that truly want to give back and do some good in the world,” she said. “Give back and be kind!”
Cuoco highlighted a cause especially close to her heart: animal rescue.
“We are dealing with a national and international crisis in regards to our shelter systems,” she urged, asking people to adopt shelter dogs and cats when possible or to support local rescues through donations and volunteer work.
A holiday grounded in gratitude
Cuoco’s message — blending motherhood milestones, philanthropy, and emotional reflection — offers a glimpse into a season that is less about Hollywood glitz and more about connection.
Whether watching holiday films, sharing cozy meals, or giving back, the actress says motherhood has changed the meaning of the season completely.
And like many parents, she’s discovering that the simplest rituals — even repeat viewings of a stop-motion classic — can become lasting memories.
