Episode 10 — Creating a Cozy Holiday Season with Ruth McKeaney

Welcome back to MomsWork! In today’s episode, host Kristin Weinrich—mom of two, 4th grade teacher, and holiday-season enthusiast—sits down with the incredibly inspiring Ruth McKeaney. Ruth is a mom of five, home restorer, author of Hungry for Home: A Year Together at Hillside Farm, host of At Home with Ruth McKeaney on Homeworthy, and a true lover of homemaking and hospitality.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, another holiday, or simply love the magic of winter, this conversation is full of ideas for creating warmth, connection, and meaning in your home during the coziest time of year.

In This Episode, We Discuss:
✨ Getting to Know Ruth

How she describes herself as a mom, creator, and homemaker

Her best parenting advice

Three words that describe her

The accomplishment she’s most proud of

✨ Win & Challenge of the Week

Kristin and Ruth each share a recent “win” and a “challenge”—big or small—that brought growth, humor, or perspective to their week.

✨ Creating a Cozy Holiday Home

Ruth and Kristin dive into:

What a “cozy holiday” means to each of them

Childhood memories that shaped their favorite traditions

Sights, scents, and sounds that bring the season to life

Favorite winter and holiday recipes

Easy, inexpensive ways to make your home feel instantly festive

How Ruth and her husband chose meaningful family traditions

How traditions evolve as kids grow

Keeping gift-giving simple and joyful

What Ruth hopes her children remember most about Christmas

Her one piece of advice for a calmer, more peaceful holiday season

🔥 Hot Seat: Rapid Fire Holiday Edition

Kristin puts Ruth on the spot with some festive fun:

Stockings before or after breakfast?

Eggnog: yes or no?

Favorite Christmas movie?

Wrapping paper or gift bags?

Favorite Christmas song?

Snow angels or snowball fight?

Connect With Ruth McKeaney

Instagram & Facebook: @Hungry4Home

Website: https://www.hungry4home.com/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=homeworthy%2C+at+home+with+ruth+mckeaney 

Episode Wrap-Up

Kristin wraps up with gratitude for Ruth’s warmth and wisdom. If you’re aiming for a cozy, meaningful, and joy-filled holiday season—without the overwhelm—this episode is packed with inspiration.

Next week: Kristin chats with Becca McDonagh, known as mathwithmissmcd, about teaching, parenting, humor, and embracing the chaos with laughter.

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Listen to and follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Wishing you and your family a cozy, festive, and peaceful holiday season! 🎄✨