Jenna Bush Hager’s Secret Santa Surprise: Emotional Moment on Live TV Sparks Viewer Buzz

By Entertainment Desk December 28, 2025

In a heartwarming yet intensely emotional segment that has captivated millions of viewers, Jenna Bush Hager experienced a raw and tearful reaction during the TODAY show’s annual Secret Santa gift exchange on Christmas morning, December 25, 2025. The co-host, known for her bubbly personality and candid on-air moments, exclaimed “That was a mistake!” as she unwrapped her gift, leading to what many are calling a “live meltdown” filled with tears, laughter, and overwhelming emotion.

The special Christmas broadcast featured core TODAY anchors including Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Jenna Bush Hager gathered on set in festive attire, exchanging thoughtfully chosen Secret Santa presents. The tradition, a staple of the show’s holiday programming, involves each host drawing a name and surprising their colleague with a personalized gift, followed by guesses as to who the giver was. This year’s edition aired live, bringing holiday cheer directly into homes across America.

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Jenna Bush Hager and TODAY show cast surprised each other on …

Photo: Jenna Bush Hager and her TODAY co-hosts during the 2025 Secret Santa exchange on Christmas morning. (Credit: NBC/Red94.net)

The moment that stole the show came when it was Jenna’s turn to open her box. As she carefully removed the wrapping, her face shifted from anticipation to shock. Sources close to the segment describe the gift as deeply personal and unexpected — reportedly a heartfelt item tied to a private joke or meaningful memory shared among the team. Jenna, visibly moved, burst into tears and uttered the now-viral phrase, “That was a mistake!” The exclamation appeared to reference the giver’s bold choice, perhaps something playfully embarrassing or profoundly touching that caught her off guard.

Co-hosts immediately rallied around her with hugs and laughter, turning the emotional peak into a group moment of camaraderie. Savannah Guthrie was seen wiping away tears of her own, while Al Roker offered comic relief with his signature humor. The raw authenticity resonated with audiences, highlighting the genuine friendships forged over years on morning television.

Viewers at home quickly took to social media, sharing clips and reactions. One popular post read: “Jenna’s Secret Santa had her in FULL tears saying ‘That was a mistake!’ — best Christmas TV moment ever! 😂😭 #TodayShow.” The segment has racked up millions of views on NBC’s official platforms, with fans praising the unscripted vulnerability.

This isn’t the first time Jenna has shown her emotional side on air. The 44-year-old mother of three has openly discussed personal challenges, from family life to professional transitions, endearing her to fans. Earlier in 2025, she teared up during segments reflecting on co-host changes and personal growth. The Secret Santa reaction, however, stood out for its immediacy and joy mixed with surprise.

The TODAY show’s Secret Santa tradition dates back years and is beloved for revealing the hosts’ personalities beyond the news desk. Past exchanges have included everything from custom artwork to gag gifts, always with a guessing game that leads to hilarious reveals. In 2025, the chemistry among the team — especially amid recent lineup adjustments — made the segment particularly poignant.

While exact details of Jenna’s gift remain playfully guarded by the TODAY team (to preserve the surprise element for replays), insiders hint it was something “hilariously spot-on yet overwhelmingly sweet,” explaining her dual reaction of laughter through tears and the “mistake” comment. Perhaps a nod to one of her famous on-air blunders or a sentimental item evoking nostalgia.

The broadcast continued with other reveals: Craig Melvin received a tech gadget perfect for his family man persona, Al Roker got weather-themed humor, and Carson Daly unwrapped something music-related. Each guess added to the festive chaos, but Jenna’s moment undeniably dominated.

In a follow-up chat on the show, Jenna thanked her Secret Santa (identity still a fun mystery in recaps) and joked about needing tissues on set permanently. “You guys know how to get me every time,” she said, composing herself amid applause from the studio audience.

This emotional highlight underscores why the TODAY show remains a morning fixture: it blends news, entertainment, and real human connections. As 2025 wraps up, Jenna Bush Hager’s “meltdown” — more accurately a beautiful display of emotion — reminds us that even on live television, authenticity wins hearts.

The full segment is available for replay on today.com and NBC’s streaming platforms. Fans eager for more holiday warmth can catch upcoming episodes featuring guest co-hosts as the show evolves into the new year.