Brenda Song has opened up about how she is passing down cherished childhood experiences to her own children, making Brenda Song family traditions a central part of her life with fiancé Macaulay Culkin and their two young sons. The actress, well known for her time on the Suite Life of Zack and Cody, revealed in a recent interview how these rituals bring joy and connection during the holiday season in Los Angeles and beyond.
Creating Holiday Memories That Span Generations
Brenda Song grew up treasuring small, meaningful family activities, and she is dedicated to sharing these moments with her sons Dakota, age 4, and Carson, 2. Together with Macaulay Culkin, the couple focuses on meaningful yet simple acts to make holidays special. Among their favorite traditions is one that Brenda brought from her own childhood.
We always take a picture with the mall Santa, because it’s something I did. So every year, since my oldest son was a baby, we go to the mall and we take a picture with Santa.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Her parents, who reside nearby, are actively involved in these festive occasions. Brenda described how holiday decorating becomes a full family undertaking, continuing a pattern she knew when she was a little girl.
We are the family that the day after Thanksgiving our tree goes up, and we spend all day doing our tree,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
We like to do our lights ourselves. So my dad comes over with a big ladder, and we spend all weekend doing all the Christmas lights.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Passing Along Beloved Childhood Games
Song also carries on other meaningful elements from her youth, like playing iSpy, a simple game she and her brother Timmy Song enjoyed during car trips between Sacramento and Los Angeles for her auditions as a child.
I was born in Sacramento, and would drive up to L.A. for auditions,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
So my brother and I, we would play iSpy. So, I started playing with my oldest son, and it just came to be.
– Brenda Song, Actress
This playful tradition is now an integral part of her own children’s lives, especially during travel. Dakota and Carson eagerly look forward to these moments, which have become a highlight of family road trips and journeys.
We play it all the time, everywhere we go.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Family Adventures and New Holiday Experiences
The holidays are not only a time for embracing old customs, but an opportunity to start new ones. Brenda Song shared her enthusiasm about travel being an important part of their celebrations, mentioning how practical tools like the Citi/AAdvantage Globe card fit seamlessly into their active, travel-filled lifestyle. The family enjoys regular trips to Disneyland during the festive season, and this year, for the first time, they’ll be heading to New York City over the holidays.
We love to go to Disneyland during the holidays,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
We’re actually coming to New York for the first time for the holidays.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Song and Culkin are thrilled to introduce their sons to the magic of New York at Christmastime, where longtime landmarks like Rockefeller Center will be at the heart of their adventures.
They’ve never been to New York before, so, really excited to show the boys the big city, especially during the holiday season,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
Rockefeller Center! Like, just see the tree, obviously. It’s just so special.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Brenda notes with excitement that the boys have heard stories about the famous tree, but she doubts they fully understand its magnitude until they see it in person.
We try to explain it to them that it’s like the biggest tree, the biggest Christmas tree you’ll ever see, and I don’t think they’ve comprehended it,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
So I’m really excited to see their reaction.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Snapshots From Family Life and Milestones
Throughout the years, Brenda Song and Macaulay Culkin have marked many special occasions both as a couple and as parents. In 2024, the couple showed their support for their favorite football team, proudly sporting team colors as a family. That same year, Brenda and Macaulay were seen attending a red carpet event for Clarins in Los Angeles, and enjoyed a celebratory trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, for Brenda’s 36th birthday, where Macaulay delighted her with playful acts—donning a resort t-shirt to playfully offer Brenda a towel and taking on the role of bellhop by carrying her bags, much to her amusement and surprise.
Their family bond shines brightly during public events, most notably when appearing with their son Dakota at Macaulay’s star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2023. Their younger son Carson was also present, making the event a joyful family affair filled with smiles and proud moments. Halloween traditions are embraced as well, with Brenda joining in the fun by handing out candy while Macaulay gets into the spirit of the season.
Brenda and Macaulay have also attended notable events together, such as the GFS Fall Benefit in Santa Monica, and in January 2022, they confirmed their engagement. Brenda was seen wearing her engagement ring in Beverly Hills, signifying the couple’s commitment. Earlier occasions, including Valentine’s Day celebrations and strolls in Berlin’s Friedrichshain neighborhood, reflect their shared affection and intimacy.
As parents, they celebrated Dakota’s first birthday in 2022 with a memorable trip to Sesame Place San Diego, sharing the experience with icons like Elmo. Brenda’s heartfelt birthday message to Macaulay captures the depth of her feelings:
Happy 40th birthday to this magical being,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
I could sit here and write endlessly about how wonderful, kind, loving, genuine, loyal, honest, brilliant and hilarious you are, and how grateful I am that I get to share and do this life thing with you. But firstly, that would take me an eternity and secondly, you won’t even see this because you don’t ever use instagram. Hahaha. My unicorn that I never thought could exist, I am luckiest person in the world because I am loved by you.
– Brenda Song, Actress
Support and Community Engagement
Beyond personal celebrations, the couple supports each other’s endeavors and participates in philanthropy. In 2018, Brenda showed encouragement for Macaulay’s podcast, sharing her excitement online:
Guys, I did a podcast with my favorite bunny—podcasters and just 2 of my favorite people,
– Brenda Song, Actress.
@bunnyearspodcast aaaand the one and only @mattbennett!
– Brenda Song, Actress
Their commitment to charitable causes saw them attending Stand Up To Cancer’s annual telecast in Los Angeles, further reflecting their values of kindness and giving back to the community.
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Value of Family Traditions
Brenda Song’s dedication to preserving family rituals and creating new memories underscores her commitment to ensuring that her sons grow up with a deep sense of connection and joy. By blending treasured habits from her own upbringing with fresh experiences shared with Macaulay Culkin, Brenda builds a loving foundation for Dakota and Carson—one that will shape their understanding of togetherness for years to come. As another season of holidays approaches, Brenda Song family traditions continue to evolve, fostering a vibrant, close-knit family culture rooted in warmth, adventure, and cherished moments.
