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Holiday magic shouldn’t require a spreadsheet and a stress headache. We talk candidly about the creeping pressure that starts when stores roll out Christmas before Halloween, why time suddenly feels so fast, and how easy it is to confuse tradition with obligation. Together we take a hard look at the rituals we’ve inherited, admit where they’ve stopped serving our families, and model a better path: ask who it’s for, invite your kids into the decision, and choose the version that actually brings joy.

We share a real shift in our own home—pressing pause on the “perfect” day-after-Thanksgiving tree farm outing—and what happened when we finally asked the kids what they wanted. The answers surprised us and freed everyone. From there, we get practical. You’ll learn a simple stress inventory to identify your top three pressure points, a coin-flip gut check to cut through indecision, and no-guilt scripts to say, “No, thank you,” when your calendar is already full. We also explore how to navigate extended-family expectations with respect, clarity, and options that keep connection at the center without burning you out.

If you love certain traditions, keep them and savor every minute. If you’re carrying rituals that feel heavy, modify them or let them go. Nothing has to be forever; reevaluate each year and let the season of life guide the plan. Expect concrete ideas for scaling back cards and parties, creating simpler gatherings, and practicing boundaries so you can be present for what matters most. Subscribe, share this with a friend who needs permission to opt out, and leave a quick review to tell us which tradition you’re changing this year.

Please be sure to checkout our website for previous episodes, our psych-approved resource page, and connect with us on social media! All this and more at www.thelylaspodcast.com