If the holidays seem to get louder and more overwhelming every year, you’re not imagining it. From endless ads to the pressure to make everything “magical,” it’s easy to get swept into a season that feels more stressful than joyful. And for parents trying to have a more sustainable holiday with kids, the noise can make it hard to stay grounded in what really matters.

This week, I’m joined by Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and author of Sustainable Minimalism. Stephanie brings such a thoughtful, grounded perspective to what it means to step back from the holiday frenzy and reclaim a season rooted in connection rather than consumption.

We talk about why less often feels harder than more, how cultural messaging around holiday magic drives emotional spending, and what it looks like to model enoughness for our kids. Stephanie also shares practical ideas for secondhand gifts, simple homemade traditions, and creating a mindful holiday season that actually feels good.

Takeaways

• How “holiday magic” messaging fuels emotional and impulse spending
• What ‘doomspending’ is and why its amplified at this time of year
• How holiday marketing shapes our expectations and buying habits
• Secondhand gifts, swaps, and other simple alternatives to buying new
• Modeling “enough” for kids in a season of big expectations
• Setting boundaries around marketing, comparison, and the mental load
• Slowing down with the season instead of speeding up
• Creating simple, sustainable holiday traditions that feel good

One Small Shift

Stephanie suggests buying for fewer people. A smaller list means less pressure, less waste, and more room for the parts of the holidays that actually matter.

Connect With Stephanie

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Website

Substack

Sustainable Minimalism (book)

Sustainable Minimalists (podcast)

Resources

Sustainability in the Suburbs (Sustainable Minimalists podcast)

Is It Okay To Give Secondhand Gifts (episode & blog post)

How to Stop Shopping on Amazon (blog post)

6 Recipes for Gifts in a Jar (blog post)

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Sustainable in the Suburbs is mixed and edited by Cardinal Studio

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