When you’ve reached Olympic gold, lived the life most can only dream of, and turned heads on the world stage, you’d think the next logical step would be snagging a fancy pad in LA. I mean, come on, that’s the American Dream, right? The glitz, the glam, the palm trees, the whole Hollywood vibe. But for Hunter and Tara Davis-Woodhall, two of the most talked-about athletes in track and field, that wasn’t exactly the move.

Instead of packing up and chasing the hustle and bustle of LA, they decided to chill and build their life in a completely different direction. They chose the quiet, cozy vibes of Manhattan, Kansas. Yup, you heard me right—Kansas, not California. And the reason? Family. The real “American Dream” wasn’t the shiny, expensive houses in LA. It was being close to their people, living life on their terms, and feeling connected to where they came from. Let’s dive into why these two athletes picked family ties over palm trees.

The Woodhalls could’ve had LA but family comes first

It’s wild, right? But hey, when you’re living a life as fast-paced as theirs, you’ve gotta hit pause somewhere. So, they traded in the idea of a glitzy LA mansion for family dinners and Christmas holidays at home. That’s the kind of dream that’s real, the kind that gives you root even when the world’s at your feet.

When you think of the American Dream, owning a house in LA is like the picture-perfect move. Every aspiring star dreams of it—picking out a place in Hollywood, flexing that shiny new home, and rubbing elbows with the biggest names. But for Tara and Hunter, this idea? Nah, didn’t do it for them. They could’ve easily joined the LA crowd, but it didn’t sit right with them. Instead, they kept it 100 and stayed close to their roots. Why? That’s because family isn’t just important to them—it’s everything. Tara and Hunter could have easily been living life on the West Coast, buying into the whole “LA dream,” but they were like, “Nah, we’re good right here.” Tara puts it best: “We have the option and ability to go live wherever we want. We could live in LA or New York, but we truly value life and well-being.”

Hunter’s take? The whole “big city life” doesn’t do it for him. “It’s not about the material things. It’s about the connections we have here. Living somewhere that gives us peace,” he said. So, they chose Manhattan, Kansas—where the people are friendly, the air’s fresh, and the pace of life lets you actually live, not just rush through it. And this Christmas, they’re hosting their first holiday in their new home, and let me tell you, you can feel the excitement in the air. Tara said, “We are family-oriented people. We love being with our family. This year, we’re actually doing Christmas at our house.” No fancy LA parties—just real, raw family time.

So yeah, while LA might be the dream for some, for Tara and Hunter, the real dream is the life they’ve built in a town that feels like home. A town where they can take a deep breath, enjoy the little moments, and just live and celebrate Christmas.

Celebrating Christmas Southern-style

Tara and Hunter are all set to host their first Christmas in their new Kansas home, and they’re doing it the only way they know—Southern style. For this dynamic duo, the holidays aren’t just about gifts and glitter. It’s about family, warmth, and creating those moments that make you feel right at home. “This year, Christmas is at our house, and we’re so excited,” Tara shares. Hosting isn’t just a chore for them—it’s a chance to bring everyone together. They’re diving headfirst into decorating with their favorite Bath & Bodyworks candles, like Winter Candy Apple, to set the mood and cook up classic Southern dishes that scream comfort food.

Picture honey-glazed ham, cornbread dressing, and homemade pecan pie filling the table. “Hunter’s all about the food,” Tara teases. “He’s in charge of the sweet tea and making sure no one leaves hungry.” The couple isn’t just about fancy aesthetics; they’re about meaningful connections. For Hunter, it’s about sitting around the table, sharing stories, and laughing until everyone’s cheeks hurt.

Their Southern roots show in every detail. From their warm, inviting hospitality to the way they approach the day, it’s clear that Christmas isn’t just another holiday for them—it’s a way of life. “Living in a small town makes you appreciate the little things,” Hunter says. “It’s the people around you that make it special, not the place.” Despite their hectic training schedules, they’ve transformed their house into a holiday haven. Their favorite candles—Flannel and Fresh Whiskey—fill the air, turning their home into a cozy retreat. “It’s those little touches that make all the difference,” Tara adds.

By choosing to host and stay close to family, Tara and Hunter show that the American dream isn’t always about glitz and glamour. Sometimes, it’s about a home-cooked meal, a room full of loved ones, and the joy of sharing a Southern Christmas together.