Quick Read
- Mel Owens and Peg Munson confirmed their relationship after The Golden Bachelor finale in November 2025.
- They plan to spend the holidays blending family traditions and starting new ones together.
- The couple is balancing public attention with their desire for private, meaningful celebrations.
- They aim to make new memories while honoring their respective families.
Golden Bachelor’s Newest Couple Steps Into the Holiday Spotlight
When Mel Owens and Peg Munson first appeared together in the finale of The Golden Bachelor, fans were quick to speculate: Would their story end when the cameras stopped rolling, or was this the beginning of something lasting? As November 2025 ushers in the holiday season, the answer seems clear. This is only the start.
First Holidays Together: Navigating Family and Fame
Owens and Munson’s relationship became public just days before Thanksgiving, a time when most new couples are still deciding if they’ll exchange gifts or meet each other’s families. But for these two, privacy is a luxury they can’t afford. “We’re still figuring out what’s ‘ours’ amidst all the attention,” Munson told Swooon, referencing the whirlwind since the show’s finale.
Thanksgiving will see the pair splitting time between their respective families, a tradition both say they’re keen to preserve. “We want to honor where we come from, but also start something new together,” Owens explained. With their adult children and grandchildren in the mix, blending traditions means more than just who brings the cranberry sauce—it’s about finding space for everyone at the table, both literally and emotionally.
From Reality TV to Real Life
The transition from reality show contestants to a real-world couple isn’t always smooth, especially under the scrutiny of fans and media. But Owens and Munson seem determined to keep things grounded. “We know people are watching, but we’re focusing on what makes us happy—quiet mornings, Sunday brunches, and yes, the occasional public appearance,” Munson laughed. Their calendar is packed: after Thanksgiving, they plan a weekend getaway, followed by a joint Christmas celebration with both families.
Still, they’re mindful of the unique pressures that come with their newfound visibility. “It’s easy to lose yourself in the excitement, but we check in with each other regularly,” Owens said. “That’s what keeps us grounded.”
Building New Traditions
For many, the holidays are about comfort and routine. But for Owens and Munson, this year is about improvisation. Instead of sticking to just one family’s rituals, they’re crafting their own: a new holiday recipe, a shared playlist for Christmas morning, and plans for a New Year’s Day hike. “We want to make memories that are just ours,” Munson shared, “even if that means combining traditions in ways that feel a little messy at first.”
The couple’s openness to change isn’t just refreshing—it’s necessary. As mature adults with established families, they face the challenge of integrating their lives while respecting old ties. “Our kids have their own opinions,” Owens admitted, smiling. “But they’re happy to see us happy.”
Looking Ahead: The Promise of New Beginnings
As their first holiday season together approaches, the couple remains both excited and a little nervous. “It’s a big step, but we’re taking it together,” Munson said. Their story, unfolding in the public eye, offers a different take on what it means to find love later in life—and how to build something lasting, even under the glare of the spotlight.
