Giannis Antetokounmpo may be one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, but this holiday season, the Milwaukee Bucks star is sharing what makes Christmas great for him.
According to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, in a new campaign, Antetokounmpo teams up with actress Ellie Kemper to share a playful moment — especially after he admits to saying “the elf word.”
The commercials, which debuted during the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers game on October 26, feature Antetokounmpo navigating the world of holiday shopping. Kemper, known for The Office, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Bridesmaids, reprises her role as the cheerful “Kohl’s Mom,” stepping in to offer guidance.
In one spot, Antetokounmpo shows Kemper a thumb wrapped in a bandage, joking that he hurt himself trying to build a dollhouse for his children. “Toy-making is more of an elf thing,” Kemper advises. That’s when the two exchange a running gag about “the elf word,” with Antetokounmpo confessing he might have said it and Kemper warning, “Santa’s going to be so mad.”
For Antetokounmpo, the holiday campaign isn’t just about scripted comedy. It also ties back to his own family traditions. “Some of my best memories, both as a kid growing up and as a dad today, are centered around the holidays,” he said. “Ellie and I had a great time on set — she’s hilarious and she might’ve taught me a few tips to help my career as an actor when I retire.”
He continued: “Milwaukee is where I went from being a skinny teenager not speaking much English to a husband and a father. Kohl’s and I share so many of the same values, in particular, family and community.”
The NBA MVP, who has four children with his wife Mariah Riddlesprigger, admits that balancing holiday celebrations with his basketball schedule takes some creativity. “Of course, being able to open presents and spend time with my family is great, and I don’t take any time for granted when I’m able to do that with them,” Antetokounmpo explained. “But I also love the opportunity to play in a Christmas Day game; it’s a special experience. In a way, it’s like I get to share Christmas joy with fans from around the world.”
His memories of Christmas go back to his childhood in Greece. Though his family often struggled financially, the season was filled with joy. “Even though we didn’t have a lot, the holidays were always the happiest days,” Antetokounmpo recalled. “My brothers and I would walk the streets of Athens all day singing Kalanta, the Greek Christmas carols. People would give us tips, and we’d use that money to buy gifts or help cover rent or groceries. We learned to be so appreciative of everything we had, and it put spending time with family at the center of what made the holidays so great.”
Antetokounmpo says he hopes to one day bring his children to Greece during the holiday season so they can see firsthand the traditions he grew up with. Until then, he focuses on blending those customs with life in Milwaukee. “It’s important that I teach my kids that the holidays are also for giving back and not just receiving,” he said.