Maren Morris has had one heck of a year—full of highs, lows, and everything in between. From racking up awards to stepping away from country music’s toxic underbelly, she’s been unapologetically herself, even when it meant making tough calls. Now, as the holidays roll in, she’s prioritizing rest, family, and a little festive magic—because after the year she’s had, she’s earned it.
Leaving Country Music Behind—And Why It Matters
Morris didn’t just dip her toes into controversy this year—she cannonballed right in. After years of calling out racism and misogyny in country music, she announced in September that she was stepping back from the genre entirely. It wasn’t a decision made lightly, but for Morris, staying silent wasn’t an option. "I love country music, but I don’t love what it’s become in some corners," she’s said in interviews. The backlash was inevitable, but so was the outpouring of support from fans and fellow artists tired of the industry’s outdated norms. For Morris, this move wasn’t just about walking away—it was about making space for something new, something authentic, and something that doesn’t require her to compromise her values.
Winter Chalets, Playlists, and the Perfect Holiday Vibe
If anyone knows how to set a mood, it’s Morris—so when IHG Hotels & Resorts tapped her to curate playlists for their Winter Chalet experience, she went all in. Picture this: cozy lodges decked out in twinkling lights, fires crackling, and Morris’ handpicked tunes wrapping around you like a warm blanket. "It’s all about that feeling of being present," she says. Her go-to holiday track? Judy Garland’s "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," a song she describes as "timeless in its melancholy and hope." And yes, she’s still holding out hope for a duet with Dolly Parton—because who wouldn’t?
Holiday Plans: Low-Key, Heartfelt, and Full of Lights
This year, Morris is keeping things close to home—literally. With her family flying in to Nashville, she’s trading tour buses for hot cocoa runs and a much-anticipated trip to Cheekwood’s holiday light display. "It’s this magical place where you can just wander and take it all in," she says. For a mom juggling co-parenting and a career, these quiet moments matter. "Hayes is at that age where everything’s wonder to him," she adds. "Seeing the holidays through his eyes? That’s the real gift."
Boundaries, Gratitude, and the Art of Saying No
Morris has learned the hard way that you can’t pour from an empty cup. "I used to say yes to everything," she admits. "Now? If I’m not mentally there, I don’t force it." That means turning down invites when she needs to recharge, guarding her time with her son, and—yes—keeping tequila and honesty on her gratitude list. "Life’s too short for fake smiles and small talk," she laughs. After a year of seismic shifts, she’s embracing the messiness of growth. "I don’t know what’s next, but I know I’ll be lighter," she says. And if that’s not a holiday win, what is?
So here’s to Maren Morris—unfiltered, unstoppable, and utterly done with pretending. Whatever her next chapter holds, one thing’s certain: she’ll be writing it on her own terms.
