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🎄 Part 2 of the Co-Parenting Through Christmas December series

Holiday gift-giving can bring joy — but for co-parents and blended families, it can also bring pressure, comparison, competition, and unnecessary stress.

In this episode of The CoCo Blend Podcast, Jamie Newton-Knight tackles one of the most common holiday challenges families face: navigating gift-giving between two households. From duplicate gifts and silent competition to financial strain and emotional guilt, Jamie breaks down why gift-giving can feel so triggering — and how to approach it with intention instead of tension.

Jamie shares practical guidance on harmonizing presents between homes, communicating with co-parents, and talking to children about gifts in ways that promote emotional security rather than favoritism. She also shares a powerful real-life moment involving her son that highlights what’s possible when families choose alignment over competition.

This episode is for every parent who wants Christmas to feel meaningful — not stressful.

✨ In this episode:
• Why gift-giving becomes triggering in blended families
• How to avoid duplicate gifts and gift competition
• Ways to set shared budgets or plans
• How to talk to kids about gifts without guilt
• What to do when co-parents won’t cooperate
• A grounding prayer and reflection for the season

Support the show

💌 Stay Connected:
Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support and stay in the loop:
✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode

✅ Leave a review — it helps other mamas find the show

✅ Share this with a fellow mama who needs encouragement


🔗 Connect with Jamie:
Instagram & TikTok: @blendedblackfamily
Website: www.thecocoblend.com

Send us a text

In this week’s episode of The CoCo Blend Podcast, Jamie Newton-Knight opens the December series: Co-Parenting Through Christmas: Creating Holiday Joy Without the Stress.
Today’s conversation centers on a powerful and honest truth — the holidays can activate emotional triggers we didn’t expect, especially when navigating co-parenting, blended families, or shifting traditions.

Jamie breaks down why Christmas triggers feel so intense, how childhood memories and present-day realities collide, and why co-parenting can magnify emotions during the holidays. From loneliness when the kids are away, to pressure to create “magic,” to unresolved family wounds, this episode reminds you that emotional triggers don’t make you weak… they make you human.

Inside the episode, Jamie shares four key strategies for managing emotional triggers with intention, compassion, and grace this season. (Tune in to hear the full breakdown.)

This week’s scripture comes from:

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And here's your homework
📖 Scripture Reflection Exercise
Reflect on:

1. What is stealing your peace this season?


2. What boundaries do you need to protect your heart?


3. What expectations must be released so you can experience God’s peace?


🙏🏾As always, Jamie closes with a heartfelt prayer for peace, grounding, and emotional safety for every listener navigating the holiday season.

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✨ Special Invitation

Join us for Unspoken Wounds: A Safe Circle for Healing Conversations — a faith-centered online gathering for women healing from childhood sexual abuse.
🗓 Saturday, Decembe 20th at 7 PM EST
🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unspoken-wounds-a-safe-circle-for-healing-conversations-tickets-1967601958424

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💛 If This Episode Spoke to You:

• Share it with another co-parent or bonus mom who may be carrying unspoken holiday pressure
• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or whatever platform you're listening on
• Follow @blendedblackfamily on Instagram & TikTok
• Join The CoCo Crew email list for updates, workshops, and support

Let this be the holiday season where you choose peace over pressure.
You deserve it. 💛

Support the show

💌 Stay Connected:
Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support and stay in the loop:
✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode

✅ Leave a review — it helps other mamas find the show

✅ Share this with a fellow mama who needs encouragement


🔗 Connect with Jamie:
Instagram & TikTok: @blendedblackfamily
Website: www.thecocoblend.com

Send us a text

This week on The CoCo Blend Podcast, Jamie Newton-Knight reflects on the hidden pressure so many of us carry during the holiday season — the pressure to overperform, overextend, and overdeliver… even when our bodies, hearts, and spirits are exhausted.

From staying up late to cook “traditional” meals for small families, to house-hopping out of obligation, to trying to recreate perfect holiday moments, Jamie shares the wake-up call she experienced this Thanksgiving.
This episode is a permission slip to release holiday expectations, honor your own emotional capacity, and choose rest over performance.

Jamie also speaks to those who struggle with visiting family members who don’t feel emotionally safe or peaceful — reminding listeners that protecting your mental health is not disrespect, it’s wisdom.

This gentle reflection is an invitation to create a holiday season grounded in intention, authenticity, and ease.

✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why we feel pressured to “do it all” during the holidays
• How traditions can unintentionally drain us
• The emotional cost of holiday overperforming
• Permission to simplify, rest, and say “no”
• How to navigate unsafe or emotionally triggering family gatherings
• Why choosing peace is a valid holiday decision
• How to create new traditions that match your current life
• An honest reflection and scripture-based exercise to help you release overwhelm

🌟 Tips of the Week:
Inside the episode, Jamie offers four practical tips for creating a more peaceful and intentional holiday season — you’ll have to tune in to hear them.


📖 Scripture Reflection Exercise

Jamie guides listeners through Matthew 11:28–30 and invites them to reflect on:

1. What felt heavy or overwhelming this Thanksgiving

2. What expectations they need to release to God

3. What they want to trust Him with moving forward


**A gentle, grounding practice to reset before the next holiday arrives.

🙏🏾As always, Jamie closes with a heartfelt Prayer of the Week for the community🙏🏾


✨ Special Invitation

Join us for Unspoken Wounds: A Safe Circle for Healing Conversations — a faith-centered virtual gathering for women healing from childhood sexual abuse.
🗓 Saturday, December 20th at 7pm EST
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unspoken-wounds-a-safe-circle-for-healing-conversations-tickets-1967601958424

🤎 If This Episode Spoke to You:

• Share it with someone who needs reassurance this season
• Leave a review
• Subscribe to my YouTube channel @blendedblackfamily & The CoCo Crew email list
• Follow @blendedblackfamily on Instagram

Let this be the year you choose peace, rest, and authenticity over expectation.
You deserve a gentle holiday. 💛

Support the show

💌 Stay Connected:
Loved this episode? Here’s how you can support and stay in the loop:
✅ Subscribe so you never miss an episode

✅ Leave a review — it helps other mamas find the show

✅ Share this with a fellow mama who needs encouragement


🔗 Connect with Jamie:
Instagram & TikTok: @blendedblackfamily
Website: www.thecocoblend.com