At the Golden Globes First-Time Nominee Celebration in Beverly Hills on Dec. 17, the 40-year-old actress opened up about a tradition she and her husband, British hairstylist Kenna Kennor, host every year: their annual Christmas pageant.
Lower describes it as a “homemade variety show” held right in their living room. Friends gather to share any talent they want — whether it’s reading poetry, performing music or, in one memorable case, simply drinking a glass of water as a tribute to hydration.
“It’s my favorite day of the year,” Lower says. “I’m still riding the afterglow.”
When it comes to her own performance, she keeps expectations low on purpose. This year, she played a song on the ukulele without rehearsing. “I allow myself to make a fool of myself,” she says, explaining that the real joy comes from sharing space, creativity and laughter with people she loves.
Christmas, Lower adds, has always been her favorite time of year. She and Kennor don’t hesitate to put up their tree early — even in November. For her, the season is about rest and reflection after a long year of hard work. “It’s time to exhale,” she says, “right before we inhale.”
The celebration comes as Lower prepares for a major career moment. She is nominated for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Series – Drama at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards on Jan. 11 for her role as Helly R./Helena Eagan in season 2 of Severance.
At the luncheon, she was surrounded by fellow first-time nominees, including her Severance costar Tramell Tillman, as well as Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart and Rhea Seehorn.
Lower says the recognition feels surreal. “It’s a huge privilege to be named among these incredible artists,” she says. “I’m really just savoring it.”
Reflecting on filming season 2 of Severance, Lower says the role taught her a great deal about empathy and self-awareness. Stepping into another person’s perspective, she explains, helps her better understand both their strengths and their flaws.
She believes the show gets to the heart of what it means to be human — especially the tension between our inner critic and our inner child. “Those two sides are always battling,” she says. “And every character I meet from now on, I’ll think about which one is allowed to have a voice.”
As Lower heads into 2026 with award-season buzz and a hit series behind her, she’s clearly holding on to what matters most: creativity, connection and a little room to be joyfully imperfect.
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