Tue Dec 02 13:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Willis Family Christmas: Emma Declares ‘Die Hard’ a Holiday Staple, Amid Bruce’s Health Journey

Los Angeles, CA – Emma Willis, wife of retired actor Bruce Willis, has reignited the perennial “Die Hard” debate, firmly declaring the action-packed thriller a Christmas movie tradition in the Willis household. This stance directly contrasts with Bruce Willis’ own vehement denial of the film’s holiday status from years prior.

Since its release in 1988, the film, starring Bruce Willis as John McClane battling terrorists at a Christmas Eve party, has divided viewers, sparking passionate arguments over its place in the Christmas movie canon.

“I think it’s important to put ‘Die Hard’ on because it’s a Christmas movie,” Emma Willis, 47, told People Magazine, solidifying her position on the matter.

This declaration comes amid a challenging time for the Willis family. Bruce Willis retired from acting in 2022 after being diagnosed with aphasia. In 2023, his family revealed his condition had progressed to frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Despite the difficulties, Emma Willis emphasizes the ongoing presence of joy within the family, particularly during the holidays. She shares two daughters, Mabel, 13, and Evelyn, 11, with Bruce.

“There is still joy. It just looks different,” she said, acknowledging the emotional burden dementia places on families. “You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before. Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think it’s important that we don’t paint such a negative picture around dementia.”

Emma has also recently spoken out about the lack of support the family initially received following Bruce’s diagnosis. She described the experience as leaving the doctor’s office “with nothing — no hope, no direction, no support.” She highlighted the difficulties of navigating the early stages of FTD, emphasizing the need for increased support as the disease progresses.

While temperatures in the area are expected to reach 44°F today and Wednesday, and 46°F on Thursday, the Willis family is focusing on warmth and joy this holiday season, with “Die Hard” playing a central role in their traditions, according to Emma.

(Source: 2025 Sinclair, Inc.)

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