This was a banner year for Maren Morris. Between bringing home several musical accolades, releasing a brand-new EP, and making appearances on various tours, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who’s been especially vocal about the racism and misogyny in the country music industry, announced her intention to distance herself from the genre in September. That’s why, looking ahead to the new year, the newly single mom of one is focused on “mentally recharging” for the holidays, she tells POPSUGAR.
Morris recently partnered with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring its Winter Chalet experience to life at its hotels, lending her musical expertise to curated playlists guests can enjoy while exploring festive chalet installations. “Imagine: you’re nestled next to a crackling fire, a cup of hot chocolate in hand, and these tunes are playing in the background,” she describes.
Her favorite holiday song is a classic — Judy Garland’s “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which she’d love to one day sing with Dolly Parton, “for the vibrato alone.” As for Morris’s holiday plans herself, she’ll likely be jamming out to her own playlist in the comfort of her home, alongside family. Morris shares her 3-year-old son, Hayes, with ex husband Ryan Hurd, whom she filed for divorce from in October.
“I’m not traveling this year, so my parents and sister are coming to see my son and [me] this holiday,” she shares. One activity she’s particularly looking forward to is a Christmas Eve visit to Cheekwood in Nashville, which she describes as a “beautiful historic mansion and garden decorated with millions of Christmas lights and installations”: “They serve hot cocoa and cider while you walk around the property and look at the lights. We’re all definitely going to be bundled up for that one.”
Though this time of year can be a stressful season for parents, Morris is all about protecting her time and health. “I make myself socially available only when I know I can be fully present,” she says. “Otherwise, I’m mentally recharging and spending time at home with myself or with my son.” It’s no surprise that when asked about what she was most grateful for this year, her “little boy” was the first thing to come to mind — though, of course, “tequila” and “honesty” also made the list.
After a whirlwind past few months, Morris is enthusiastic about her “next chapter, whatever that may bring.” All she hopes is that she’ll be “a lot lighter and more sure-footed in myself than I’ve ever been.”