As the festive season approaches, model and entrepreneur Olivia Culpo is keeping a beloved NFL tradition alive, even as she embraces a significant new chapter in her personal life. Married to San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey in 2024, Culpo has opened up about her unique holiday practice that offers a rare peek into the close-knit community of NFL wives and girlfriends.
A Sweet Gesture: Culpo's Annual Pecan Pie Delivery
In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Olivia Culpo revealed her go-to Christmas gift for the partners of her husband's teammates. Every year, she sends out pecan pies to the wives and girlfriends of Christian McCaffrey's fellow 49ers players. This is a tradition she has maintained quietly over the years, and it has become an anticipated ritual within her circle during the holidays.
Culpo admitted that while she does not bake the pies herself, she ensures they are sourced from trusted professional bakers and shipped with utmost care. She emphasised that the focus of her gesture is on consistency and thoughtfulness, rather than striving for homemade perfection. This simple yet meaningful act underscores the sense of community among women who share the unique experience of life during the gruelling NFL season.
First Christmas as Parents: A New Perspective on Home and Holidays
The 2024 holiday celebrations hold special emotional significance for the couple. In July, Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey welcomed their first child, a daughter named Colette Annalise. This marks their inaugural Christmas as parents, a milestone that has profoundly shifted Culpo's outlook.
The model, who was once particular about maintaining a spotless home, now finds joy in the small messes that come with raising an infant. She shared that a lived-in space feels warmer, more authentic, and better aligned with the true spirit of the holiday season. Motherhood has brought a new lens through which she views comfort and family life.
Alongside her signature pecan pies, Culpo is also gifting items from her recent fashion collaboration. She has partnered with Abercrombie & Fitch on an NFL-inspired collection that draws from vintage athleisure wear. The line is designed for women who seek stylish yet comfortable outfits for game days. Including pieces from her own venture adds a personal touch to her holiday gifts, especially for those who understand the unique rhythms of an NFL calendar.
Balancing Career, Family, and Football
While Culpo nurtures her growing family, she continues to expand her professional portfolio. Her ventures include fashion projects and an upcoming Netflix food competition show. On the field, Christian McCaffrey remains a central force in the 49ers' offense as the team navigates a critical phase of the season.
Amid the high-pressure world of professional football, Olivia Culpo's Christmas tradition stands out for its heartfelt simplicity. The annual delivery of pecan pies symbolises connection, familiarity, and the community values that often operate behind the bright lights of the NFL spectacle. As the season moves toward its climax, her ritual is a gentle reminder that for many within the league, the holidays are less about grand displays and more about these shared, off-field moments.
