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John Legend shares his favorite Christmas traditions — and what's in his Walmart holiday shopping cart

The "A Legendary Christmas" singer picked out the best gift ideas from Walmart for a memorable 2023 holiday season.

John Legend and children
It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Legend-Teigen home. (Walmart)

When it comes to holiday traditions, it's no surprise that music is a huge part of the season for singer-songwriter John Legend. In fact, the dad of four recorded his own Christmas album, A Legendary Christmas, in 2018 and it's been on repeat in his home ever since. (Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen welcomed their third and fourth child — daughter Esti, 11 months and son Wren, 7 months — in 2023; they're also parents to Luna, 7, and Miles, 5.)

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"I recorded the album when my son Miles was born so the kids have really grown up with it. They want to hear it every Christmas! Miles used to want to hear it all year long because he was so into it," Legend exclusively shared with Yahoo Life. The family's favorite Christmas song? "It would have to be 'What Christmas Means to Me,' my version with Stevie Wonder. We also love 'This Christmas,' a classic from when I was growing up in Ohio."

In addition to the tunes, Legend, who said they're a "fake Christmas tree family" is all about the festive decorations and sweet treats: "We have a little bit of everything on the tree — not tinsel, but a lot of the big Christmas ornament balls. And we have it all outside! Lights everywhere. We have tons of stuff out on the lawn. Nutcrackers — quite a range." Baking Christmas cookies — chocolate chip and gingerbread top the list! — are also on the holiday to-do list. "Chrissy has a wonderful box mix of chocolate chip cookies that is amazing," said Legend. "And Luna loves to decorate cookies. The kids put out cookies for Santa. They love that and we do too."

For the holidays, Legend partnered with Walmart to share some of the items he's loving and buying from the mega-retailer this month. Read on for the performer's favorites and then add some to your cart if you're still in the market for a last-minute gift or two.

"We're all about preserving memories and commemorating important events," said Legend. A family favorite during the holidays is making photo ornaments with the kids' pictures. "The Instax camera is so cool. Everything is digital these days but I like to print things out. I love sentimental things. You can print out [a picture] and put it right in the ornament," added the singer. Choose from five different trending colors — blue, lavender, gray, green and pink. Plus, you'll get a bonus pack of film. 

$67 at Walmart

Another idea: Use the Fujifilm Instax to create a photo booth during holiday dinners and parties. Add props, like this adorable Christmas-themed headband, to make the pictures more fun. (How cute are those colorful tree toppers?!) "It's nice to have little printouts and mementos for the holidays," added Legend. Santa hats make a great accessory too. 

$6 at Walmart

One of Legend's favorite things to do is decorate for the holidays with his daughter Luna. "We like to do arts and crafts together," he said. "She loves to decorate and be colorful — making ornaments, decorating gingerbread men, using glitter, gluing." The dad-daughter duo loves this 32-piece glitter set — it's filled with extra fine and chunky glitters in all types of shapes (hearts, circles, stars and more). Each cap has two different-size openings so you can control how much comes out without making a mess. A definite plus for parents!

$14 at Walmart
Walmart

The Legend-Teigen crew is always up for a family game night. "Chrissy and I like Taboo, Outburst, fun guessing games," said Legend. "The kids enjoy Connect 4." While the game doesn't really need any explanation, we'll give it a go: Two players go head-to-head in a battle to take over the grid. Once they select their color (either red or yellow), they can drop the discs into the grid, all while blocking their opponent from ruining their streak. The goal? Four of the same colored discs in the row — horizontally, vertically or diagonally.

$10 at Walmart

Legend is all about giving the gift of "me time" to his loved ones. "I'm giving our skincare line for the holidays — love that it's available at Walmart," he said. The brand's shave cream is perfect to slip into the stocking of that special someone who deserves to feel soft and smooth. Its formula is infused with numerous plant-based oils including sea buckthorn and rosehip; it's deeply moisturizing for all-day hydration.

$10 at Walmart

"Lots of self-care stuff," answered Legend, when asked what he was gifting family and friends. This satin eye mask helps to block out light so you have a more restful night's sleep. An elastic head strap gives it a perfect fit. Other self-care items on Legend's list include a diffuser and marble vanity tray.

$5 at Walmart

And what is Legend buying his wife? "I want to do some framed photos for Chrissy — that would be cool. Frame up some great family pictures," said the performer. Our pick: This pretty faux rustic wood frame works with just about any type of home decor. Hang it on the wall in the hallway, or use the easel to display it on a tabletop in the living room or office. 

$6 at Walmart

"Family is all I need this holiday season. I have everything I could possibly want," admitted Legend. But, he added, "Chrissy does give me very good gifts every year." She's known to give presents he can use all year long like robes, blankets or a backpack. This throw comes in seven different colors — including a holiday-themed red plaid — and is just $6. At that price, you can purchase it as a last-minute gift for everyone on your list. 

$6 at Walmart

Of course, Legend's own Christmas album made the list. This expanded CD edition includes classics like "Silver Bells" as well as new Christmas originals. Want it on vinyl? That's available, too. 

$14 at Walmart

Want to save even more? Make sure you’re signed up for Walmart+. It’s easy to sign up for your free 30-day trial here. You’ll get free shipping and grocery delivery, savings on gas and prescriptions, exclusive access to major deals, and more. (And by the way, those without Walmart+ still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)