or Benjamin Hollingsworth, best known to many as Dan Brady on Virgin River, Christmas is not about spectacle, excess, or Hollywood-style magic. Instead, it is about grounding his children in values that last longer than wrapping paper and toy trends. While his professional life exists in front of cameras and fans, his approach to family life—especially during the holidays—is intentionally quiet, thoughtful, and deeply personal.

Hollingsworth has often spoken about the importance of balance. Acting is a career built on visibility, but parenting, in his view, should be rooted in stability. Christmas becomes the perfect opportunity to reinforce that difference. Rather than turning the season into an overwhelming event, he focuses on creating a sense of calm and togetherness that his children can rely on year after year.

One of the key ways Hollingsworth keeps Christmas grounded is by emphasizing routine. Traditions matter in his household, not because they are extravagant, but because they are consistent. Simple rituals—shared meals, decorating together, reading stories, and spending uninterrupted time—form the backbone of the holiday. These moments provide structure and emotional security, especially in a world that often feels rushed and noisy.

He is also mindful of how easily children can associate Christmas with material rewards. Growing up in a culture saturated with advertising and social media, kids are constantly encouraged to measure excitement by the size or price of gifts. Hollingsworth actively resists that pressure. In his home, presents are thoughtful rather than excessive, and they are framed as expressions of love, not the centerpiece of the holiday.

Teaching gratitude is central to his approach. Rather than shielding his children from reality, he gently introduces conversations about appreciation and perspective. Christmas becomes a time to reflect on what they have, not what they lack. This mindset helps his kids understand that joy is not something bought—it is something shared.

Hollingsworth also believes that presence matters more than performance. Despite a busy schedule, he prioritizes being emotionally available during the holidays. That means putting work aside when possible and being fully engaged in family moments. For his children, this presence sends a powerful message: they are more important than any role or obligation.

Another grounding element is his focus on kindness beyond the household. Hollingsworth uses the season to encourage empathy, reminding his children that Christmas is not just about their own happiness. Whether through small acts of generosity or conversations about helping others, he frames the holiday as a time to think outward, not inward.

Importantly, Hollingsworth avoids creating unrealistic expectations. He does not promise a “perfect” Christmas, because perfection often leads to disappointment. Instead, he models flexibility and acceptance. If plans change or moments feel messy, that is part of life. By normalizing imperfection, he teaches his children resilience and emotional honesty.

Nature and simplicity also play a role in keeping things grounded. Rather than filling every moment with scheduled activities, he allows space for quiet. Downtime becomes an invitation for creativity, imagination, and connection. In these quieter moments, children learn to entertain themselves and appreciate stillness—an increasingly rare skill.

Hollingsworth’s approach reflects his own values rather than Hollywood expectations. Fame can distort priorities, but he works consciously to keep his children’s world relatable and human. Christmas, in his family, looks much like it does for countless others: warm, imperfect, and rooted in togetherness.

His parenting philosophy recognizes that children learn more from what adults do than what they say. By modeling calm, gratitude, and presence during the holidays, Hollingsworth teaches lessons that extend far beyond December. Christmas becomes a framework for values that apply year-round.

What makes his approach especially meaningful is its intentionality. Nothing is accidental. Every choice—from how gifts are framed to how time is spent—reflects a desire to raise children who are emotionally grounded and secure. In a culture that often equates success with excess, this restraint is quietly powerful.

Hollingsworth understands that memories shape identity. The Christmases his children experience now will influence how they view family, celebration, and love in the future. By keeping those memories centered on connection rather than consumption, he gives them something lasting.

Ultimately, Benjamin Hollingsworth keeps Christmas grounded for his kids by remembering what the season is truly about. It is not about impressing others or living up to an image. It is about warmth, presence, and shared meaning. In doing so, he offers a reminder that the most meaningful traditions are often the simplest ones—and that grounded joy is the greatest gift a parent can give.