Russell Wilson And Ciara Have One Holiday Rule For Their Kids That They Don't Plan To Abandon Anytime Soon

Russell Wilson and Ciara's holiday tradition has a deeper meaning© Getty via AFP

Russell Wilson and Ciara have one holiday rule they plan to keep as their kids get older: everybody stays in on the Santa story. Ciara explained it to People on Nov. 13 at Macy's Santaland in New York, where the couple served as hosts. Future is 12 and Sienna is 9, ages when doubts start to creep in. The retired quarterback and his wife are not letting that slip. Wilson also shared how Christmas morning works at home, pajamas included. The couple is expecting their fifth child, announced in September.

Russell Wilson and Ciara keep one holiday rule for their kids

Ciara put the rule plainly. “If you don't believe, you won't receive, is what we tell the big ones,” she said. It sounds like a joke, but she is serious about it. She added that “Future knows the drill,” which tells you her oldest has long learned how to play along.

Sienna is a different story. Ciara admitted she is not sure where her daughter stands this year, since Sienna is getting more curious about whether Santa is real. Still, Ciara said the kids will “stick with the script and the program.”

Win is 6 and Amora is 2, so the younger two are easy audiences. A 12-year-old or a 9-year-old who spoils the story can change the mood of a whole house. My read is that keeping the big kids in character protects the fun for the little ones. The couple did not say that, but it fits what Ciara described.

Ciara also thanked Macy's. “We feel honored that they chose us to host this special moment,” she said.

Pajamas, presents and a giving rule on Christmas Day

Wilson said “Ciara loves a matching PJ,” and he is happy to hand that call over. He gives “that control to her” when it comes to choosing the pajamas. Christmas Day itself follows a simple routine. The gifts are arranged, the family comes down together, and the kids open their presents.

The kids are changing the routine a little. They want to give back now, and Wilson called it “awesome” to see.

Ciara explained the thinking. “It's important to us to make sure they stay humble and understand how blessed they are,” she said. Then she described the step that makes it real. “Before we add gifts, we subtract gifts and give them to people in need. It's cute when they automatically start suggesting doing it themselves.”

The Santaland display at Macy's Herald Square opens to the public on Nov. 27.