Kirstin Maldonado, who co-created Pentatonix in 2011, shares with PEOPLE her Christmas traditions and talks the partnership.
Kirstin Maldonado is jingling all the way and making spirits sparkle (literally!).
The 33-year-old singer and mom, alongside her Pentatonix members Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee, is celebrating all things merry and bright with KAY Jewelers, which released an a cappella remix of its iconic jingle with the musical act for the festive season.
"Everyone knows and can sing the iconic 'Every kiss begins with KAY' line. I have known it since I was a little kid watching Sesame Street, so it's incredible to be partnering with the brand," Maldonado tells PEOPLE exclusively about recording a special song for the campaign.
The artist, who co-founded Pentatonix in 2011, adds that the group imbued their edition of the track with what they do best: "adding and creating beats, lines and moments that at the end come together in harmony. It was super fun to put our spin on such a classic."
The collaboration also released the Pentatonix gift curation, featuring everything from men's and women's watches, necklaces, earrings to even diamond engagement rings.
"I love the diamond tennis bracelets," Maldonado says of her favorite piece from the collection that includes picks from all five members. "One is super classic, and the other one has really cool shapes and texture."
All the pieces are also a callback to her earliest memory of the brand, which, like many of us, was window-shopping at the mall and admiring all the jewels. "I was gifted a very cute and pretty sapphire ring from KAY when I was probably 20 or so, and I loved it so much. Wore it every day."
She's also perfected the art of buying jewelry: picking out "something unique" for an element of surprise while equally guiding a present on her loved one's personality, that way "you'll know if they'll want something classic and simple or something a little bolder."
Just before Christmas, Pentatonix wrapped up their month-long Christmas in the City Tour, which traveled from West Valley City, Utah, to Fort Worth, Texas. On stage is where Maldonado leaned into Old Hollywood glamour with a "white Christmas" twist.
"This was the first year that we did custom looks for the Christmas tour! I worked with our incredible stylist, Candice Lambert McAndrews, and we sent some inspo photos to [label] Garo Sparo [founded by designer Gary Spampinato], and they both created magic! It was all my Moulin Rouge showgirl fantasies come true."
Being on the road this time of year also helps when you have one Pentatonix baritone in particular by your side. "Scott definitely has the best holiday spirit. He is so great about venturing out into all the cities to explore, and in past years, he's had a Christmas tree in his room," says Maldonado, adding that she likes to decorate the tour bus with personalized Christmas stockings for everyone.
She was also able to spend time with her kids, daughter Elliana, 3, and her son, Theo, who was born on March 2, 2025. "While at times traveling with children can feel really stressful, it's also very magical to celebrate Christmas in different cities and see how they celebrate."
Now that the leg has ended, she's excited to get to bake with her toddler. "I remember baking with my family for the holidays and it being so much fun, and now I feel like she's the perfect age to start."