Bruce Willis Christmas traditions hold a special place in the Willis household, with the family coming together each holiday season to celebrate in unique and meaningful ways. Emma Heming Willis, Bruce’s wife, recently revealed how these heartfelt festivities, including their annual movie night, continue to bring them joy even as they navigate challenges stemming from Bruce’s ongoing health struggles.
“Die Hard” as a Festive Staple for the Willis Clan
A core part of the family’s holiday routine has sparked debate among fans—watching “Die Hard.” Emma humorously addressed the ongoing question about the movie’s seasonal status, making her stance clear.
“I think it’s important to put Die Hard on because it’s a Christmas movie,”
Emma Heming Willis, model and entrepreneur, expressed in a recent interview with PEOPLE.
Despite Bruce Willis, famous for his role as John McClane, previously insisting “Die Hard” is “a goddamn Bruce Willis movie” at his Comedy Central roast, Emma stands firm. For the Willis family, “Die Hard” is essential holiday viewing, proving that their traditions remain strong despite external debates.
“Bruce loved Christmas and we love celebrating it with him,”
Emma affirmed to PEOPLE.
Adapting Traditions Amid Bruce Willis’ Health Journey
As the Willis family adapts to Bruce’s life with frontotemporal dementia, they continue finding avenues for happiness while acknowledging changing realities. Emma shared her perspective on this transition:
“There is still joy. It just looks different.”
– Emma Heming Willis, Model and Entrepreneur.
“You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before,”
Emma explained, highlighting their commitment to honoring the past while embracing new experiences together.
“Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think it’s important that we don’t paint such a negative picture around dementia.”
– Emma Heming Willis, Model and Entrepreneur.
Emma and Bruce, who have appeared together in films such as “Red 2” and “Perfect Stranger,” married in 2009 and share daughters Mabel and Evelyn. Bruce Willis is also the father of Tallulah, Scout, and Rumer from his previous marriage to Demi Moore.
Since Bruce’s aphasia diagnosis in 2022, followed by a frontotemporal dementia diagnosis in 2023, the family has openly discussed both the difficulties and the moments of happiness that remain a part of their lives.
Emma Heming Willis Advocates for Dementia Awareness
Emma has played a proactive role in shedding light on the realities of frontotemporal dementia. Through regular social media updates, public interviews, and her September book,
“The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path,”
she aims to provide support and advice for other caregivers facing similar journeys with their loved ones.
During the ABC documentary
“Emma & Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey,”
which aired over the summer, Emma reflected on witnessing glimpses of Bruce’s vibrant spirit despite the challenges.
“Not days, but we get moments,”
Emma said.
“It’s his laugh, right? Like, he has such a hearty laugh. And, you know, sometimes you’ll see that twinkle in his eye, or that smirk, and, you know, I just get, like, transported.”
– Emma Heming Willis, Model and Entrepreneur.
In the same interview, emotion surfaced as she shared:
“And it’s just hard to see, because as quickly as those moments appear, then it goes. It’s hard. But I’m grateful. I’m grateful that my husband is still very much here.”
– Emma Heming Willis, Model and Entrepreneur.
The Ongoing Impact of Family Traditions
The Willis family’s honest and open approach offers encouragement to others facing similar challenges, reminding everyone that traditions can create comfort and connection even during uncertain times. As the holiday season returns, Bruce Willis Christmas traditions—anchored by family, favorite movies, and the simple joy of togetherness—continue to shine as a source of strength and hope.
