Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union don’t spend much on each other at Christmas.
The 42-year-old NBA player has been married to Bring It On star Gabrielle, 52, since 2014 and has learned in that time that the best sort of present is “not about the price tag” or going to extremes. Their wedding, held at the Chateau Artisan in Miami, set a precedent for their preference for meaningful celebrations.
“Gab and I have learned it’s not about the price tag or going over the top with gifts. It’s about making it meaningful, something that speaks to who we are as a couple,” he told E! News. Studies show that experience-based gifts often create longer-lasting happiness than material presents.
“We try to focus on experiences. It’s about creating memories, not just unwrapping a box. At the end of the day, it’s the thought and love behind the gift that counts. That’s how we keep it special every year.” This philosophy aligns with research showing that experiential purchases lead to greater satisfaction than material ones.
Wade — who has Kaavia, 6, with Gabrielle and Xavier, 11, from his relationship with Aja Metoyer as well as Zaya, 17, and Zair, 22, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches — just likes to embrace this time of year, especially following his retirement in 2019. His retirement came after a legendary 16-year NBA career, including three championships with the Miami Heat.
Wade likes ‘a timeout from everything’
“There’s just something special about having everyone together under one roof, especially after a long, crazy year. I spend so much time traveling during the year even after retiring, so when the holidays roll around, it’s like a timeout from everything,” he said. Wade’s post-retirement ventures include ownership stakes in several businesses and frequent speaking engagements.
But, other than Christmas, Dwyane – who was awarded full custody of his nephew Dahveon, 21, in 2011 – noted that himself and his family love the November holiday of Thanksgiving and he “looks forward” to seeing all of his loved ones in the same room. The family’s Thanksgiving traditions have become well-known among their social media followers.
“Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and each year we host at my house. I look forward to seeing all of my close family and friends in one room and the amazing conversations we have each year,” he said. Their celebrations often include traditional family recipes passed down through generations.
The couple’s approach to holiday celebrations reflects their broader life philosophy of prioritizing family connections and meaningful moments. Their blended family has become an inspiration for many, showing how modern families can thrive through love and understanding.
Union, known for her successful acting career spanning over two decades, shares this perspective on family time. Her schedule, which includes filming various projects and managing her haircare line, makes holiday gatherings particularly special.
The family’s holiday traditions have evolved over the years, incorporating elements from both Wade’s and Union’s backgrounds. They often share glimpses of their celebrations on social media, showing their followers how they maintain strong family bonds despite their busy lives.
Their commitment to creating meaningful experiences extends beyond just the holiday season. The couple is known for their philanthropic work, including their Wade Family Foundation, which supports various community initiatives throughout the year.
The Wade transition
Wade’s transition from NBA superstar to family man has been well-documented, with the former athlete often speaking about how retirement has allowed him to be more present for family moments. His focus on quality time over material gifts reflects this life change.
The couple’s holiday philosophy has resonated with fans and followers, who appreciate their down-to-earth approach to celebrating special occasions. In an era of social media-driven displays of wealth, their emphasis on meaningful connections over material excess stands out.
Their holiday celebrations also serve as reunion opportunities for their extended family members, creating spaces for strengthening family bonds and creating lasting memories. These gatherings often become opportunities for sharing family stories and traditions with younger generations.
