Scott and Mark Hoying Announce Kids Christmas Book — and Share Some of Their Holiday Traditions and Mishaps (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The Hoyings published their children’s book,How Lucky Am I?,in May, andtold PEOPLEthat the book was “a gift to our future children.”Fa La La Familyholds a similar meaning.

“Wegot married in the summer of 2023, and there’s nothing we’ve been looking forward to more than being dads,” they say. “We can’t wait to readFa La La Familyto our kids one day — it’s going to be the best feeling in the world!”The book has also inspired the couple to look back on their own childhood holiday traditions.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!“I come from a big Filipino family, and I always loved our big family gatherings during the holidays, where everyone cooks and brings their favorite Filipino meals!” says Mark. “My parents and my aunts and uncles are the best cooks! There’s even some illustrations in the book of these festive family parties that we’re excited for our family to see!”

Mark Hoying and Scott Hoying.Ian Shiff

Ian Shiff

“There’s a specific, unique feeling of being a kid cuddled up on the couch on Christmas Eve,” Scott adds. “The house is so cozy and quiet, and everyone’s in such a joyous mood. I remember having butterflies waiting for Santa to come. I didn’t even realize how special those moments were until later in life. I treasure those memories and can’t WAIT to make Christmas as magical, cozy and perfect as possible for our future kiddos!”

The couple now have their own holiday traditions together, including celebrating their dog Mozart’s birthday on Christmas Eve, as well as touring with Pentatonix — but they also remember some of their biggest holiday mishaps too.“We love seeing movies over the holidays, and one night, we were on our way to seeSpider-Man: No Way Homeat the theater and our car broke down!” they say. “We pulled over and were stranded! Funny enough, it ended up being a hilarious, amazing experience. To pass the time, we blasted music, acted out the movie ourselves, danced, laughed, made silly videos and Scott even referenced it in his wedding vows as a night we fell even deeper in love and that we will remember forever!”

Mark Hoying and Scott Hoying in May 2024.Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Fa La La Family, the Hoyings say, is also an important way to spread “inclusivity and love” around the holidays and beyond.“A message we really wanted to showcase is that all types of families are beautiful and should be represented!” they share. “Whether it’s a mom and you, a dad or two, your grandparents, your pets, your chosen family — love is love and family can be anything!”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Fa La La Familywill be published on Sept. 2, 2025 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.

source: people.com