Kevin Costner Wants ‘Cynics’ to Join Him in Recalling the Real Story of Christmas and the Birth of Christ (Exclusive)
Kevin Costner is opening up about his faith and the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas in his new holiday special.
Speaking exclusively at last month’s Art of Elysium Heaven Gala, the 70-year-old actor discussed his upcoming ABC special, Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas. Costner reflected on the origins of the holiday and his own upbringing. “It’s the first Christmas — the birth of Christ. I grew up in the church,” he shared. “My hope is that whether someone is a believer, a cynic, or simply curious about the real story behind Christmas traditions, they’ll come along on this journey with me.”
Costner said he wants audiences to remain open-minded about exploring the roots of the holiday. In Christianity, December 25 — Christmas Day — is observed as the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth. In the special, Costner narrates, “They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year — a time for families to come together and celebrate the incredible story of a newborn king. Whether you’re a believer or just curious, I invite you to join me for the story of the first Christmas like you’ve never seen it before.”
The actor also spoke about the emotional impact storytelling can have. “Storytelling can be healing. It can educate us and remind us of who we want to be,” Costner explained. “Sometimes we witness acts of heroism on screen — even small ones — and they resonate. We recognize them and think, ‘That’s how I want to live.’ Movies can show us words or actions we wish we’d chosen ourselves.”
While faith plays a meaningful role in Costner’s holiday celebrations, spending time with family is just as important. The Yellowstone star is a father to seven children: Cayden, 18, Hayes, 16, and Grace, 15, whom he shares with ex-wife Christine Baumgartner; Annie, 41, Lily, 39, and Joe, 37, from his marriage to Cindy Silva; and Liam, 28, with Bridget Rooney.
As his children have grown older, Costner says holiday traditions have evolved. “When they were younger, things were more routine,” he said. “Now it’s more about trying to get everyone home from college and coordinating schedules. Just being together matters. I do my best to make it warm and meaningful.”
The holidays have also changed for Costner following his split from Baumgartner. She filed for divorce in May 2023 after nearly 19 years of marriage. The former couple reached a settlement later that year, finalizing the divorce in February 2024. They share joint custody of their children, and Costner was ordered to pay over $63,000 per month in child support.
Reflecting on his new chapter, Costner admitted he misses some of the simpler traditions. “I’m a bachelor now, so I miss some of those really sweet holiday moments,” he said. “That means I have to make an extra effort to create memories they’ll carry with them.”
Kevin Costner Presents: The First Christmas is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
