Jennifer Hudson Puts on Her Party Pants as She Teams with Old Navy for Festive Holiday Campaign (Exclusive)

Jennifer Hudson and Old Navy are teaming up to help you get decked out this holiday season!

On Oct. 24, the EGOT award winner and the global apparel and accessories brand introduced the campaign “Love is in the House” which stars Hudson as the ultimate host while family, friends and even Old Navy’s Magic the Dog dress in everything from glam getups to Jingle Jammies (a.k.a. holiday pjs) to ring in the holidays together.

It’s a pinch-me moment for the talk show host, she tells PEOPLE exclusively. 

“Old Navy has always been one of my favorite places to shop, and I've always loved its holiday commercials. I mean, what bigger traditions are there than holiday traditions? That's why Old Navy has always resonated with me. So to now be in one and partner with them is a dream,” Hudson says.

Fun fact: the star, 43, snuck into an Old Navy a few weeks ago to stock up on jeans. “It’s great for just my life and my lifestyle,” she says. And the holiday attire, she adds, is a favorite. 

In the campaign, Hudson slays her hosting duties in the brand’s Fitted Velvet Top, High-Waisted Shine Rockstar Jeans and Faux Fur Zip Jacket. “Every bit of that [outfit] is a great representation of me, that's why I'm an Old Navy shopper,” Hudson says.

“Did you see my little velvet fitted top? And the jeans, they were everything,” Hudson gushes. But the jacket was such a hit with the star she took it home. “I am going to wear it during the holiday season so be looking for me in it,” she says.

Hudson, whose son David turned 15 in August, also appreciates the “mushy moments” and cozy clothing that comes with them, too. “Yes, we get glammed up for the holiday but we also love that feeling when we're sitting by the fireplace wearing our pajamas with our little blankets as well.”

Lucky for Hudson, Old Navy has both, and everything in between, from embellished and metallic denim to festive sweaters, puffer coats and fleece zip ups.

The campaign is set to none other than Hudson’s rendition of “Winter Wonderland” from her recently released holiday album The Gift of Love.

“From watching the commercials to my holiday album being used in one, It's beyond surreal,” Hudson says of hearing her version of the song in the Old Navy spot.

Equally unreal: Hudson’s album will be sold at select Old Navy stores located in the four cities where Hudson is touring to support it: Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New York City.

“To think I get to go into Old Navy and one, shop, and two, see my holiday album, that's a Christmas gift in itself for me,” Hudson says.

The star, who recently dubbed herself the Princess of Christmas, says shooting the campaign “felt like how I celebrate the holidays at home.”

“It was like a holiday party. It took me back to when I was growing up and would set the dinner table for the holidays. And having everyone come together, the kids, the elderly, the dog, it’s just affection time. And it felt so authentic to my life.”

Hudson continues, “I loved it all: the fashion, the fun and the togetherness. We can be comfortable, be together and have a good time.”

When asked if she has any tips for minimizing stress while hosting, Hudson exclaims, “Oh my goodness, you know what? I don't even know if the holiday season should be stress-free! If I'm comfortable in what I'm wearing then that'll get me through it all.” 

Her holiday fashion MO is: Be “comfortable but glamorous.”

“If I'm hosting at home, I want to be in my jammies. That is the key for me, being comfortable with what I'm wearing because that sets the tone. And when bringing everyone into my environment, the host in me makes sure they're comfortable, too. I love for everyone to have a good time. To have a gift. I call it the gift of love, like the holiday album. I love to get everybody exactly what they want for Christmas. So when you come to my house and I'm hosting, I like everybody to be happy, and celebrating and together.”

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“That's what it's all about,” Hudson says. “Every every stocking is filled with love. When you enter, nothing else is allowed: only love. That's what I like to lead with, the heart. And that's why I think this is a beautiful venture and a great representation of Old Navy, and myself. I feel like the biggest way to lead is with love is to let everyone know that everyone is welcome. And everyone has a place and a gift under the tree and something on the table that they love to eat. They should walk away feeling good.”

After releasing her album, partnering with Old Navy and prepping for her tour, Hudson says there’s only one other thing that could make her holidays even more merry and bright.

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“Old Navy has given me a gift by having the spot, allowing me to be a part of people's homes. When they have their televisions on, they're seeing the Old Navy family celebrating the holiday season and hearing “Winter Wonderland.” So if my song becomes a part of everyone's holiday traditions, I would never need another Christmas gift. That would be the ultimate Christmas gift to me.”