TRENDING

It may be sunny and a million degrees outside our Los Angeles photo studio, but inside it's wall-to-wall winter holiday madness: racks of sparkly dresses, piles of decorations and an endless assortment of accessories (antler headband, anyone?). And Pressley Hosbach is *here* for it.

"My favorite holiday is for sure Christmas because of my family," says Pressley, 17, the multi-hyphenate megastar (think: dancer-actress-singer-influencer). "My cousins are basically my siblings, but we live in different places. Christmas is when we all get back together. It's so fun and I just love it."

While her holiday plans may be the same again this season, a lot has changed for Pressley in the last year: She's put in some serious studio time (her first single comes out in January, though she's still trying to settle on the perfect track: "You only have one first impression—and I want to make it good"), debuted her dancewear line ("I partnered with Jo+Jax, which has been a dream") and shared even more of her life on social media ("At first, it was scary, because you don't know how people are going to react to who you are").

One thing that didn't change for Pressley in 2023? Staying true to herself. "I'm positive. I look for the best in every situation. I've been like that my whole life...and I hope I always am."

It's hard to believe that it's already been five years since Pressley popped onto the scene, first on Dance Moms (she credits the scandal-plagued series with helping her develop a thick skin, something that has served her well in Hollywood), then on Brat TV's series Stage Fright as Roxie (a role she reprised on Attaway General the next year).

But what Pressley is best known for is being, well, Pressley. And with Pressley, what you see is what you get: She's kind, funny, sweet, creative, driven and very, very talented.

Basically, she's that girl you're instantly best friends with while also forgetting she's kinda super famous, which she makes seem easy because she's so real and So. Darn. Nice.

So pour a cup of cocoa, grab some gingerbread cookies and settle in for holiday vibes with our fave zero-Grinch girl (just don't ask her to wrap your presents, k?).

GL: If you could describe 2023 in a word, you'd pick...
Pressley: Change. Can I do two words? Change and growth.

Did that come from your shift into music?
That's a big part of it—music became my main focus this year. I'm in vocal lessons, practicing guitar and writing constantly.

That's a lot.
I haven't been doing this my whole life, the way I have with dance. But I hope that, when the music comes out, people do see my passion and my hard work. I'm taking it all really seriously.

You're no stranger to taking a goal and actually making it happen. Do you believe in New Year's resolutions?
Absolutely. I make them every year! I was just thinking about updating my vision board.

Releasing your first singles is probably on it...
I'm so excited. It's all new to me, so I've just been a sponge, soaking up everything I can from everybody I meet. I've been recording a bunch just to find my sound.

So as of now, what *is* your sound?
I lean more toward pop—I'm a dancer, so of course I want to be able to keep it upbeat and fun. Also, a bit country. Dolly Parton, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, Reneé Rapp, Tate McRae and Kelsea Ballerini...all big inspirations. And of course, Taylor Swift. She tries so many genres of music and her songs are so relatable.

Is "relatable song that comes from my own experience" how you approach writing?
It's a mix. I have songs where I talk about my hometown, family and friends. And there are always love songs. But I'm also pulling inspiration from stories I've heard from my friends or parents or things I've dreamed up. I plan to open up about everything and really tell my story.

It's not easy to share so much of yourself.
Having a strong support system really helps. I'm really grateful and lucky to have so many amazing people in my life. My mom is already playing my demos in her car. I'm like, "Can you put on Taylor Swift?!" and she's like, "I want to listen to you!" And I have a great group of friends here in L.A. who have been along with me for the whole music journey.

Tell us more about your friend group.
When I moved across the country, it took some time to figure out who my real friends were. But it's worth it to wait for those people who feel happy for you when you succeed. They're teammates, not competitors, who lift me up. And it goes the other way, too—I feel happy when they're succeeding. It's never going to work if you're jealous or trying to compete.

You seem so confident. But do you ever feel insecure?
I have my moments, especially with music. I know there are other people who have been doing this longer or who have a stronger voice than I do. But then, instead of comparing myself, I think about how hard I've worked and how far I've come.

Sounds like a 2024 resolution. Anything else on your list?
Put out more singles, maybe an EP. Do my first live performance, even if it's small. Stick with dancing. More fashion projects. Keep documenting my life...I love watching my vlogs and seeing everything I did.

But before you tackle all that, how are you celebrating the holidays this year?
Since I was a kid, my parents and I have worn matching Christmas pajamas. They used to be so embarrassing when I was younger. Like...so bad. Last year I kind of got them back. I got us Harry Styles Christmas sweatshirts. My dad was like, "I'm not wearing Harry Styles!" Let's just say he wore it, and the photos turned out amazing.

Any other fun family traditions?
We go to New York City and see the tree in Rockefeller Center every year. We walk around to see the lights and go ice skating. Really take in the holiday vibe.

Pressley Hosbach holiday faves. Go!
All hot chocolate, all the time. I also love gingerbread. I love the Eloise Christmas movies. And the Disney Christmas specials because they're nostalgic. And Elf is one of my favorite movies. My fave Christmas song is Justin Bieber's "Mistletoe."

Think you'll do your own holiday album?
100%. I want to write an original song...something about an East Coast Christmas with the fam.

It's official: We think you love everything about the holidays.
Actually, no! I hate wrapping presents—I am terrible at it. Well, OK, I'll get one good side. So one side of the gift will be good, and the other side will be so, so bad. It's now to the point where I just ask my mom.

Before our festivities come to an end: three words to sum up your wish for '24...
More growth, creativity and, of course, confidence.

Hey, girl! Just wanted to let you know that this story originally ran in our December/January 2024 issue. Want more? Read the print mag for free *today* when you click HERE.

Photographed by Mike Azria. Styled by Lo VonRumpf. Hair by Phillip Nathaniel. Makeup by Sophia Hutch. Story edited for digital coverage by Kathleen O'Neill.

by Katherine Hammer | 12/16/2023