Christina Applegate has been a Hollywood favorite since she first starred on Fox’s Married…with Children as a teenager. Since then, the actress made audiences laugh in movies like Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and, more recently, Anchorman 2, the follow-up to her role in 2004’s hilarious newsroom comedy.
Off-screen, things haven’t always been easy. In 2008, Christina fought (and won) a public battle with breast cancer, going on to found Right Action for Women, a foundation dedicated to making breast cancer screenings accessible. Since then, she has married and has given birth to a lovely daughter, Sadie. Whether they’re home in Los Angeles or traveling to New York City, the holidays are extra special for her these days. Last year, Applegate talked with Christie’s about her favorite holiday memories and the work of art that made her cry at the Louvre. We’re revisiting this interview during our online-only sale, Warholiday (1-12 December).
How will you spend the holidays this year or can you tell us about a recent holiday that was special?
Last year was special because Sadie really had an understanding of the holiday season. It was my favorite one so far. She was squealing at Christmas lights and singing Christmas songs all day. Truly magical. She got it.
Do you and your family like to get away for the holidays or spend them at home? What’s special about both?
For Sadie’s first Christmas, we went to go see my family, which was wonderful, but we really enjoy being at home, too. It’s less stress without travel. But I am looking forward to bringing her to New York this year, when I go for the Anchorman 2 premiere just before Christmas. I can’t wait for her to see the glory that is Manhattan at Christmas time.
Do you have a favorite holiday memory and/or favorite holiday tradition from childhood?
My favorite memories of Christmas are celebrating at my grandmother’s house in Indiana until she passed away in 1996. Just being with her was wonderful. Now, we’ve adopted the tradition of “Max the Magical Elf.” In the days leading up to Christmas, Max disappears every night and reappears in the morning in a different place where Sadie has to find him.
What kind of gift do you find most meaningful?
My favorite memory of Christmas presents is from when I was six years old and came down and had 101 gifts under the tree — albeit, one pencil wrapped in paper, or a pad of paper wrapped in paper. Nonetheless, it was an incredible sight to see.
What kind of imagery do you associate with the holidays? Snow? Christmas lights?
I associate snow with Christmas. Unfortunately, I don’t get to see it because I live in Los Angeles. A big, beautiful tree gives me the spirit of the holiday here.
Is there something you like to watch every holiday season? Holiday music you enjoy?
“Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells,” performed by Andy Williams. It makes me laugh, it’s just so great.
Do you own or have you seen a piece of art that particularly inspires you?
Winged Victory of Samothrace. The first time I saw it I wept at the Louvre.
Do you have a favorite holiday look?
I live in Southern California, so our clothing doesn’t really change much over the holidays, but when I was living in New York I loved seeing people on the street and their original and cool ways of how to make a coat look awesome.
What’s something in your home in that means something to you?
I did a movie with Cameron Diaz and as a wrap gift she gave me the oversized Helmut Newton book. It stands on a stand in my living room to this day. It has some of the most beautiful photographs I’ve ever seen. In and of themselves, the book and the stand are art.
What are you most grateful for right now?
Getting to spend time with my daughter. Having the opportunity to take some time off to just be with her all day long. It’s invaluable.
Image:
ANDY WARHOL (1928-1987)
Poinsettias (See F. & S. IIIA.51)
screenprint in colors on paper, an unpublished work from an edition of an unknown size
21½ x 15¼ in. (54.6 x 38.7 cm.)
Executed circa 1983.
