Derek Jeter was essentially a baseball and travel addict throughout the 20 years he spent playing for the New York Yankees. After four years of working as a father, the 49-year-old now considers Christmas to be the most wonderful time of year to spend with loved ones.

In 2014, Jeter decided he had had enough of playing shortstop for the Bronx Bombers. His longtime partner, Hannah Davis, was his bride at that time. Since then, the couple’s family has grown by four members.

Last month, during an interview with PEOPLE, Jeter discussed his unique relationship with Christmas and the joy of spending the season with his own family. Derek Jeter told PEOPLE, mentioning his own children:

“The holiday season is probably one of the best times of the year because you see the excitement in their faces,”

With his three kids and one son by his side, Derek will celebrate Christmas this year. Kaius, Jeter’s first and only son, was born six months ago in May. His older sisters Bella, Story, and River, all of whom are six years old, will be in charge of making Christmas extra special for their younger brother.

While playing for the New York Yankees, Jeter was well regarded for more than just his hitting; he also won five World Series rings. Jeter retired with a.310 career average after playing from 1995–2014 and winning five Gold Gloves and five Silver Sluggers. In 2020, Derek Jeter’s first year of eligibility, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fаme.

“When They’re Loud and Whiny,” Derek Jeter says of kids, “they remind me of Hannah.” Derek and Hannah Jeter are giving Us a glimpse into their life as a family of six, three months after delivering baby Kaius. In my opinion, the… Watch HetFlix

Although he is officially retired, Jeter plans to keep himself very busy. Jeter is a father, a father figure, and a part-time FOX Sports analyst with Alex Rodriguez, a former teammate of his. The native of Michigan also bought a little piece of the Miami Marlins, but he sold it off later.

Derek Jeter and his family are sure to have a memorable Christmas this year.

Finally, after years of adding members, the Jeters may have their family unit settled. The Jeters nevertheless wish for a memorable Christmas for all their children, including little Kaius, who is unlikely to remember it.

Although Jeter has previously made fun of his girls, saying that they “have trouble understanding that every day is not Christmas,” he really does take good care of them. Whatever the case may be, the Jeter household will not be skimping on spending this December.