Hoda Kotb Shares the 'Best Thing' That Happened Her First Day After LeavingToday(Exclusive)

Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty “I actually wasn’t sure how it was going to be,” Kotb, 60, tells PEOPLE about her transition into retirement while attending aRunway for Recoveryevent, which honors breast cancer survivors. “When you leave something that you’ve done your whole life to then step into a Monday, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, it’s Monday. What is happening here? How is this going to feel?’ I made myself a schedule because I really wanted to have something going on that day.

Hoda Kotb Shares Which Christmas Present Is a 'Big No' for Daughters Hope, 5, and Haley, 7: 'Not Happening'

Hoda Kotb (center) and her daughters.Photo:Hoda Kotb/Instagram Hoda Kotb/Instagram Hoda Kotb’sdaughters have made their Christmas lists this year, but the mom of two is checking it twice — and scratching this particular gift off.TheTodayco-host, 60, appeared onLate Night with Seth Meyerson Wednesday, Dec. 18, and shared that her daughtersHope, 5, and Haley, 7, whom she shares with ex-fiancéJoel Schiffman, really want a specific present for Christmas this year.“They want makeup, but what is that about?

Hoda Kotb Teases Next Project After Leaving theTodayShow and Joanna Gaines Is Involved!

Hoda Kotb and Joanna Gaines.Photo:Helen Healey/NBC via Getty; Rob Kim/Getty Helen Healey/NBC via Getty; Rob Kim/Getty Hoda Kotb’s “repotting” era might involve some shiplap. “Remember I was talking about repotting—- gotta take first steps,” the 60-year-old journalist captioned a new series of photos. “We have something fun cooking! Come along on the great adventure…..Stay tunedI love @joannagaines.” In the images, Kotb is seen hugging and working with Gaines, 46, as they look around an empty office-style space, study a computer and pose with a team, all while cameras are rolling.

Hoda Kotb Wears Meaningful Bracelet and Ring Gifted by Savannah Guthrie on Her Last Day atToday: ‘Thankful’

todayshow/Instagram (2) Savannah Guthriewill always have a special place inHoda Kotb’s heart — and now, her jewelry box. On Jan. 10, Kotb, 60, made her exit fromTodayafter 17 years co-anchoring on the show, which has been an event celebrated with a weeklong sendoff deemed a “Hoda-bration.” In the lead-up to her departure, Kotb told PEOPLE she received memorabilia and gifts all week long from fans and colleagues. “I love it — I’m taking it, I’m wearing it, I’m drinking it, I’m eating it, people are making cookies,” she gushed.

Hoda Kotb's Daughter Haley and Her Second Grade Classmates Have the 'Best Field Trip Ever' as They Visit theTodayShow

Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC Nathan Congleton/NBC Hoda Kotb’sdaughter brought her entire class to theTodayshow! On Tuesday, Dec. 3, Kotb’s daughter Haley Joy, 7, stood with her entire second grade class at the plaza outsideTodayduring the show’s taping. As they broadcasted outside,Savannah Guthrieturned to Hoda Kotb and said, “Lots to get through but Hoda, I see some our favorite second graders on the plaza.” “We just want to say hi!