In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how Christian parents can thoughtfully approach the topic of Santa Claus while keeping Christ at the center of Christmas. They discuss the history and cultural role of Santa, research on child development and imagination, concerns about honesty and trust, and several practical approaches Christian families take. They also offer guidance for building Christ-centered traditions that nurture wonder, generosity, and spiritual formation in children.

Whether you're navigating this question with toddlers, teens, grandchildren, or extended family, this episode provides wisdom, reassurance, and practical rhythms to keep Christmas meaningful and Christ-focused.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rxxoxeDb4sw

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
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About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Alisa Grace sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Willa Williams to unpack how your family of origin shapes the way you love, connect, and relate today. Together, they explore how childhood caregiving environments form your attachment style—secure, avoider, pleaser, or vacillator—and how those patterns often surface in adult relationships, marriages, and even your walk with God.

They break down how misinterpretations happen, why couples get stuck in pursue–withdraw cycles, and what to do when your emotional reactions today are rooted in yesterday’s wounds. Most importantly, Willa offers practical tools for growth, healing, and developing a more secure attachment—whether you grew up in a healthy home or a deeply broken one.

Whether you're navigating marriage, dating, friendships, or family relationships, this conversation will give you hope, language, and a roadmap to healthier connection.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/yW2OLLXVJdM

Resources Mentioned:

• How We Love — Milan & Kay Yerkovich: A foundational book on adult attachment styles and how childhood wounds shape marriage and communication. https://howwelove.com/shop/how-we-love-book/
• How We Love Attachment Style Quiz: A free online assessment to help you identify your attachment style and start meaningful conversations with loved ones. https://howwelove.com/love-style-quiz/
  
  

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.

In this episode, Chris and Alisa Grace explore how to teach kids genuine gratitude in a culture that constantly feeds entitlement. They talk about why “me-first” messaging (from social media, advertising, and peer groups) shapes the way kids see themselves, their stuff, and even God’s grace—and how parents can gently push back. Along the way, they share practical ideas like modeling gratitude in everyday frustrations, using dinnertime questions to help kids notice God’s goodness, shifting from “I have to” to “I get to,” and helping kids process disappointment (like missing out on Disneyland) without shaming their feelings. You’ll also hear creative practices—from gratitude walls and journals to serving the less fortunate and writing thank-you notes—that slowly form thankful hearts instead of entitled ones.

Whether you’re parenting preschoolers, navigating the teen years, co-parenting, grandparenting, or investing in kids as a teacher, coach, or mentor, this episode offers hopeful, realistic tools to cultivate gratitude in the next generation—and in your own heart.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/W2Dzkdfquwo

Resources Mentioned:

• Going Deeper Together: Spiritual Armor Required – A five-lesson course that helps couples recognize the enemy’s tactics and stand strong together with practical, biblical tools. http://t.ly/iTL9

Connect with Us:

• Website: cmr.biola.edu
• Facebook: facebook.com/biolacmr
• Instagram: instagram.com/biolacmr
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/@biola-cmr
  
  

Join the Conversation:

• Subscribe to The Art of Relationships Podcast to never miss an episode.
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to help others discover the show.
• Share this episode with someone who could benefit from these relationship insights.
  Sign up for weekly updates and resources from the Center for Marriage and Relationships:
  👉 http://eepurl.com/bgsuQv

About the Hosts:

Chris Grace, Ph.D., and Alisa Grace are passionate about helping people build and sustain healthy relationships. As leaders of the Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships, they combine the wisdom of Scripture with scholarly research to offer practical advice and insights. Learn more about their work at cmr.biola.edu.