The holidays have officially begun in the Buttigieg household—and in true Buttigieg fashion, they’ve kicked off December with enough warmth, nostalgia, and queer joy to melt even the iciest winter mood. Chasten Buttigieg shared a series of tender family moments on Instagram, giving fans a peek into one of the sweetest traditions he and Pete share with their twins.
A Tiny Tree With a Big Story
In Chasten’s latest post, the author beams as he hoists their son high enough to try placing the star atop their Christmas tree. In another photo, their daughter carefully hangs ornaments with a level of concentration only a toddler on a mission could muster. The snapshots feel delightfully familiar—like scenes lifted straight from the holiday memories so many queer families dreamed of having one day.
“One of my favorite nights of the year,” Chasten wrote in the caption, before adding a charming confession that instantly became the heart of the post:
“And yes, the tree is tiny! We got it five years ago just to have something up when we came home from DC, but the twins wouldn’t let me get a different tree this year. They love the little tree.”
It’s exactly the kind of detail queer parents everywhere will recognize: what begins as a temporary decoration becomes a beloved family relic, lovingly protected by the smallest members of the home.
Chasten’s New Book Celebrates Queer Family Joy
This year has been an especially creative one for Chasten. He released his illustrated children’s book Papa’s Coming Home, a tender—and often hilarious—story featuring Jojo and Rosie, two kids determined to give their Papa the warmest welcome imaginable. From homemade signs to freshly picked flowers and cakes baked with pure enthusiasm, the characters go all out… until they realize they’ve packed the car so full there’s no room left for Papa himself.
The book is funny, heartfelt, and grounded in the everyday chaos that defines real families. It’s also part of the Buttigiegs’ ongoing commitment to creating joyful, inclusive stories for LGBTQ+ households. For queer parents and kids who don’t often see themselves celebrated in mainstream children’s literature, Chasten’s book is another meaningful addition to the growing shelf of affirming family narratives.
Of course, this isn’t his first foray into publishing. His memoir I Have Something to Tell You—available in both adult and young adult editions—remains a favorite among readers who appreciate Chasten’s blend of humor, vulnerability, and hope.
A Family Built on Love, Openness, and a Whole Lot of Learning
One of the reasons fans feel so connected to Pete and Chasten is their honesty. The Buttigieg family story isn’t polished into some unrealistic, flawless picture of parenthood. The couple has been transparent about the whirlwind “surprise adoption scenario” that brought their mixed-race twins, Penelope and Joseph, into their lives. They’ve talked openly about the steep learning curves, the messy moments, the unexpected joys, and the constant reality that no one—no matter how public their life may be—is parenting with a perfect manual.
They’re building their family with love, communication, and intentionality. And at a time when LGBTQ+ parents still face political backlash, scrutiny, and attempts to erase their lived experiences, seeing the Buttigiegs share ordinary happiness—hanging ornaments, laughing with their kids, reading picture books—is both radical and reassuring.
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Cozy Queer Joy for the Holiday Season
As December unfolds, their tiny-but-perfect tree stands as a symbol of something bigger than annual decorations. It represents chosen traditions, queer parenting in full bloom, and the kind of joy that LGBTQ+ families continue to create despite every obstacle thrown their way.
Whether it’s Chasten’s stories, Pete’s public service, or the charming moments they share from home with Gus, Penelope, and their dog Buddy, the Buttigieg family reminds us what this season is all about: togetherness, laughter, small rituals that mean everything, and love that grows brighter every single year.
Have a holly, jolly holiday, Buttigieg family—and thank you for sharing a little sparkle with the rest of us.