Following the success of "Couples Retreat," it's safe to say that Malin Akerman is a certified, big time movie star. But don't think for a second Akerman is anything but down to earth. When we spoke with Akerman last week, we learned that this is one actress who's not about to let fame get in the way of family and friends.

At present, she's the spokesperson for a Crest Whitestrips program on Facebook that will give one lucky winner an all-expenses-paid trip to make a holiday connection with a loved one. Fans of the Crest Whitestrips Facebook page can submit stories about reconnecting with their loved ones, and in addition to the aforementioned grand prize, 10 custom photo books will be given away each week from Shutterfly.

Akerman knows a thing or two about reconnecting with loved ones -- she's very close to her family, even though they're scattered across the globe. Akerman herself was born in Sweden, raised in Canada, lives in the United States, and has an Italian husband. And, because she enjoys so many of the traditional aspects of the holiday season, her holiday plans and celebrations might be a little different than yours.

Christmas is Akerman's favorite holiday, and she makes a point to spread the love around. "Every other Christmas I go to Canada or Sweden to spend it evenly with my Dad, Mom and siblings. Thanksgiving will be spent in NYC with my husband and youngest sister."

She loves the traditions the holiday incorporates, preferring to shop in person: "I love the holiday music and buying an eggnog latte to sip on as I stroll through the stores. It really puts you in the spirit of the season." And the season's festivities don't stop there.

"I love baking gingerbread cookies over the holidays and decorating the Christmas tree! Food is big in my house, my family and I eat lots of pickled herring in Sweden, along with lots of gingerbread cookies and Marabou Swedish chocolates for dessert," she says.

Another multi-cultural tradition she's held onto is the actual timing of the celebration. "In Sweden, we celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Around 3 p.m., Donald Duck comes on the television, and all the kids sit around and watch. Then, we have an early dinner and open presents," Akerman tells us. "I've held on to that tradition, which is easy because my husband, who is Italian, also grew up opening presents and everything on Christmas Eve."

Many of us find the holidays to be a time filled with travel, but for Akerman, travel is part of her job year-round. Naturally, she's learned a few tricks (like always dressing for comfort over style and using a rolling carry-on bag) and was more than happy to share her secrets for successful travel, such as the items she'd never leave out of her carry-on.

"I'm a big fan of white teeth, especially around the holidays, as I see so many people I haven't seen in a long time," she says. "So, I use Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal which I put on when I'm getting ready or even on a flight, so those are always in my carry-on. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of Homeoplasmine lip salve and Voluminous mascara to really plump up my lashes and make them stand out. Hand crème and hand sanitizer are also travel must-haves during the winter months."

When we start talking about presents, Akerman gets really passionate. Given the option to buy any present for any person, she immediately responds, "Food for my family in Africa! I send money to a family of 13 people every month so that they have a shot at survival. I think they would be the most deserving of any gift."

This is a family Akerman met when she visited the area, and consists of a single mother caring for her children as well as her deceased sister's children. One of the little boys, just nine years old, is currently in the hospital with AIDS. "It's a couple hundred dollars each month for me, but for them, it's life or death," she says.

That's not the only charitable cause she plans to support this holiday, though. Akerman is also a supporter of the African Children's Choir and Free the Slaves.

She names someone a little closer to home as her ideal Secret Santa, though: "My husband, 'cause he knows me best!"