Episode 048. This one is both funny and serious. It'll leave you with a sense of hope and renewed   appreciation for your holiday season, but I get real about the times I was Mama Grinch and we even had to "take a break" from decorating the tree because I was so stressed out with the kids. The holiday blues are real. Despite the general atmosphere of joyousness and celebration, many people experience the holidays as a time to “get through” rather than a time to enjoy. Family dynamics, full event calendars, and the pressure to “be merry” can make the holiday season particularly stressful. But sadness often creeps in, too, and people deal with some of the following challenges

1. Deep emotional isolation
2. Traumatic Memories
3. Demands of Overscheduling
4. Unrealistic Expectations

I've personally experienced all of the above at the holiday season. Especially number four...unrealistic expectations. I tell you all about being a "Martha wannabe" (trying to be picture perfect like a Martha Stewart magazine) and how living at the farm with Charlie Brown Christmas trees were the perfect medicine for my perfectionism.

If you're struggling in any way to feel joy this holiday season...if you're feeling anxiety, the lack of hope, the pressure of Christmas...you'll find this episode relatable and made just for you. This mama has been there, and I can say you'll make it to the other side..

"If you're having some Christmas fails, the only thing that we can do is the best we can just do the best that you can in this season with what you've been given. And one minute at a time. Try and do the simple things, simplify the expectations and come back to what we're thankful for."

00:00:00 Intro 00:01:10 happy to receive the stories 00:02:51 the hair on my cheeks 00:04:38 pretty traditional Christmas 00:05:38 do something new 00:07:11 the most deceptive times of year 00:09:20 holidays sucked 00:10:49 Being Mama Grinch 00:13:04 holiday blues are real 00:14:51 the "Martha standard" 00:17:07 accepting what it is 00:19:08 I just wanted an adult tree 00:21:13 your mom needs her space 00:22:38 It wasn't really about the tree 00:24:22 transform and morph and grow 00:27:31 tree in the downstairs 00:29:04 pick a pine tree in the wild 00:31:08 girl and the tree holding hands 00:34:21 blasting Morgan Wallen 00:36:47 three big minions on my lawn 00:39:56 a story to learn from 00:40:36 laugh at yourself 00:43:16 you are accepted 00:43:34 Closing