Actor Paul Mescal swapped the Hollywood spotlight for a cosy and traditional family Christmas at home in Ireland this year. The 29-year-old star was pictured in heartwarming snaps shared by his mother and sister on social media, offering fans a glimpse into his low-key festive celebrations.
Family Festivities and Social Media Shares
The Normal People actor was all smiles in a family selfie posted by his mother, Dearbhla. The photo featured Paul alongside his parents—his father is also named Paul—his brother Donnacha, and his sister Nell. The image captured a relaxed and joyful family moment, a world away from red carpet events.
His sister Nell also shared a more casual snap of her famous brother, posting a picture of Paul lying on a sofa. She captioned the intimate post simply with a string of kisses: 'xoxoxoxoxoxo'. The post prompted a public display of affection from Paul's girlfriend, singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams.
Gracie commented 'I love you' on the family Christmas post, to which Nell warmly replied, '@gracieabrams i love you more.'
A Mother's Emotional Christmas Message
Paul's mother, Dearbhla, moved followers with a poignant Instagram post that went beyond typical festive greetings. She shared a sweet photograph of a pile of her family's shoes by the front door, a simple image symbolising a home full of loved ones.
In a lengthy and heartfelt caption, she expressed her hopes for the season. 'I hope there are shoes piled at your front door, that there are items placed on the staircase to find ‘homes’ somewhere else,' she began. Her message wove together wishes for chaotic joy, abundant hospitality, deep hugs, and loud laughter.
She also touched on more solemn reflections, writing, 'I hope as we gather our joys we remember those who live in fear, hopelessness & terror. I hope we raise our voices in advocacy.' She concluded by urging followers to 'give thanks for all you are to those you love & who love you.'
Rare Insights into a Private Romance
The festive season comes months after Paul offered rare insights into his relationship with Gracie Abrams during a Rolling Stone cover shoot in September. While notoriously private about his personal life, the actor hinted at the seriousness of their romance, which began over a year ago.
He gushed about future family plans, admitting, 'I would love to have a family. I'm not like, "I want them tomorrow," but I would love to have kids.' However, when asked directly about the moment he and Gracie decided to go public, he remained protective.
'I actually do have an answer, but everything to do with that is deeply precious to me and I don't want to… I want to protect those things fundamentally,' he told the magazine.
The couple, first linked after an intimate London dinner in mid-2024, have gradually stepped into the public eye together. They made their official red carpet debut at the History Of Sound premiere in June 2025.
Their mutual support has been evident: Paul attended Gracie's New York concert in October 2024, while she walked the red carpet at his Gladiator 2 premiere a month later. Gracie also shared her first social media snap of Paul in July 2024, a cosy selfie in an Instagram carousel.
