Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have made a decision that didn't sit well with the rest of their family. The couple opened up about their yearly Christmas card and why this year they decided to cut out their kids from it, replacing them with an addition that made Consuelos very happy.
© Disney via Getty ImagesChristmas cards are an important tradition for the Consuelos family, requiring organization and approval from all family members. This year, Ripa and Consuelos decided to simplify their lives. "We’re tired of getting all the photos approved by our kids every year," said Consuelos in an interview with PEOPLE.
"They're out."
"We've cut them out," added Ripa.
Ripa and Consuelos share Michael, 28, Lola, 24, and Joaquin, 22, often sharing stories of their children and their family. The couple shared that they took it very personally when they weren't included in the family Christmas card
"They complained that they’re not in the Christmas card this year. They feel very slighted, and [said] 'How could you?'" said Ripa. "I said, 'I’m tired of waiting around for you to approve a picture. I’ve got to move."
© FilmMagicThe kids' Christmas replacement
Ripa and Consuelos work hard on their Christmas cards, making some fun additions depending on the year. This Christmas, they took advantage of the extra space in order to include the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, with a photo taken after their holiday-themed "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," performance, hosted on the Halloween episode of Ripa and Consuelos' show "Live with Kelly and Mark."
Ripa said that Consuelos was very happy with the change. "We took a picture on the set with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, and Mark is in the middle and we’re all in our special outfits," Ripa said. "And Mark just has a look on his face that is like… he’s so excited and happy. He’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him in a Christmas card."
© Disney via Getty ImagesConsuelos believes the Christmas card suggests some positive things for 2026. "This year's going to be great."
Ripa and Consuelos don't mind switching things up every year. In the past, they've posed with Consuelos' TV family from his show "Riverdale" and next year, they hope to get a photo with the Rockettes.
"Every year I'm like, 'We gotta get a picture with the Rockettes' but we do the show so late and I gotta get my Christmas card to the printer early. So maybe we'll do a picture this year for next year's Christmas card," said Ripa, who's a big fan of the performers.
© Disney via Getty Images
