Fans of the Chrisley family know that Nanny Faye is as feisty as they come. Her energy, wit, and unapologetic approach to life have made her a fan favorite, yet her larger-than-life personality

doesn’t always sit well with her son, Todd. This year, that dynamic played out in full holiday force when Nanny Faye decided to host Christmas her way—sending Todd into a mixture of shock,

dismay, and reluctant admiration. In an exclusive interview with E! News, Todd and his wife Julie Chrisley opened up about the holiday clash that had the family on edge.

Despite the outward appearance of harmony often portrayed on television, the reality behind the scenes revealed that Nanny Faye and Julie have very different approaches to the festive season.

Julie, described by the Chrisleys as a Christmas fanatic and tree connoisseur, has long been the architect of the family’s holiday celebrations. Every year, by November 1st, Julie reportedly puts up no fewer than half a dozen Christmas trees, each meticulously decorated and carefully curated to perfection. Her style, according to E! News, is “couture”—elegant, polished, and meticulously organized.

Nanny Faye, on the other hand, thrives in chaos, color, and whimsy—a “kit” approach to Christmas that prioritizes fun and personality over symmetry and design. And this year, the matriarch decided it was her turn to take the reins. Todd explained the challenge this posed: “I want us to do the heavy lifting. Nanny Faye Christmas isn’t what the kids are used to. This tree is going to look like a damn Charlie Brown Christmas tree, and that’s not what my kids have grown up with.”

Despite Todd’s concerns, Nanny Faye was unwavering: “No, I want to do Christmas. I want to do it my way.” For Todd, this was more than just a matter of decor—it was about maintaining tradition, preserving the polished image he envisioned, and ensuring that the family celebration ran smoothly. But as fans quickly discovered during the family holiday special, A Very Chrisley Christmas, Nanny Faye had a different vision entirely.

From the moment December rolled around, Nanny Faye was in rare form. While Todd meticulously coordinated menus, planned seating, and ensured everything adhered to his standard of perfection, Nanny Faye’s goal was clear: fun, laughter, and total unpredictability. She approached Christmas as a chance to indulge, celebrate, and bring her unique brand of energy to the festivities—even if it drove her children absolutely bonkers.

The first sign of holiday chaos came in the form of decorations. Todd imagined elegant whites and gold accents, perfectly coordinated ornaments, and symmetry. Nanny Faye brought boxes—plural—of mismatched decorations collected over decades, featuring blinking lights, eclectic ornaments from dollar stores, casinos, and who knows where, and a slightly crooked Santa figurine she insisted was lucky. Todd reportedly let out a sigh that only a perfectionist of his caliber could muster, muttering, “Why does Santa look like he’s been through something?” Nanny Faye, with unwavering confidence, planted herself between Todd and the tree: “This Santa has history, character, and personality,” she declared, adding a dimension Todd’s department-store-perfect approach could never achieve.

As the day progressed, the differences in approach extended to music. Todd prefers classic Christmas carols played softly in the background, maintaining an air of elegance and tradition. Nanny Faye, however, blared whatever made her feel like dancing, from old-school country to Elvis, with volume levels that had Todd questioning whether it even qualified as holiday music. At one point, she even tried to pull Todd into a “Christmas jig” in the living room, prompting his horror-filled response: “No jigging before dinner!” To which Nanny Faye laughed: “That’s why you’re no fun.”

The menu was yet another battlefield. Todd had carefully curated a traditional holiday feast—refined, elegant, and thought-out to the last detail. Nanny Faye, however, introduced unexpected dishes: fried snacks, eccentric desserts, and even a controversial dish Todd explicitly asked to avoid. Her reasoning? “It’s Christmas—people can eat what they want.” Todd’s eye twitch said it all. Yet, true to her style, Nanny Faye remained unfazed, insisting that spontaneity and joy were more important than rules.

The chaos extended to conversation. As guests gathered, Todd attempted to maintain control, guiding discussions and keeping things orderly. Nanny Faye, however, had other plans. She regaled the family with stories Todd would have preferred stayed buried in holiday history: childhood mishaps, past holiday disasters, and moments of hilarity that only amplified the warmth and connection in the room. Every time Todd tried to intervene, Nanny Faye simply doubled down, and the laughter grew louder.

Finally came the gifts—another perfect illustration of Nanny Faye’s approach versus Todd’s. Todd believes in beautifully wrapped presents, organized with precision. Nanny Faye believes in surprises. Some gifts were wrapped in newspaper, some weren’t wrapped at all, and one even came in a repurposed bag that had clearly held something else entirely. Todd stared at the pile, muttering, “This looks like a yard sale.” Nanny Faye, unbothered, replied, “Well, open it. You might like what you get.”

Yet, despite Todd’s visible frustration and constant attempts to maintain control, the day unfolded in a surprising way. The laughter never ceased. Guests lingered, conversations flowed naturally, and the holiday warmth filled the house. Todd, though unwilling to admit it outright, noticed that Nanny Faye’s unconventional approach achieved something his carefully orchestrated Christmas often could not: genuine connection, joy, and memories that would last far longer than perfectly aligned ornaments or a flawlessly set table.

By the end of the evening, Nanny Faye leaned back, fully satisfied with her handiwork, while Todd stood surveying the aftermath with arms crossed, mentally cataloging every imperfection. But even he had to admit, if only privately, that sometimes the messiest, loudest, and most unconventional holidays are the ones people remember most.

In the end, Nanny Faye’s Christmas was a testament to her character: bold, unapologetic, full of personality, and deeply rooted in joy. Todd’s shock and frustration were inevitable, but so too was the warmth, connection, and laughter that defined the day. For fans of Chrisley Knows Best, it was another unforgettable family moment—proof that in the Chrisley household, the holidays are never quiet, never simple, and always memorable.

So, what do you think about Nanny Faye Chrisley taking over Christmas this year? Will Todd ever recover from the chaos, or will he secretly admit that her unconventional style brought something magical to the holiday? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to stay tuned to TV Shows Ace for more exclusive Chrisley family updates!