I think many of us enter the Christmas season hoping to create magic and feel a little more peace. The lights are twinkling, the calendars are full, and somehow there’s still a quiet longing for stillness underneath it all.
This conversation, originally shared on the Holistically Well Podcast, dives into exactly that tension… how to slow down during the holidays, release unrealistic expectations, and return to what truly matters. Drawing from a heartfelt dialogue with Monica of Wanderwild Family Retreats™, this reflection is an invitation to experience Christmas rather than merely survive it.
EPISODE 37 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: HOLY NOT HECTIC | INTENTIONAL MOTHERHOOD AS CHRISTMAS TIME
Whether you learn best by listening, reading, or watching, there is something for you! You can catch the full conversation on the Holistically Well Podcast—available on all your favorite platforms!
Holistically Well Podcast on Apple | Episode 37
Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify | Episode 37
Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube | Episode 37
Why So Many Moms Feel Overwhelmed at Christmas
The modern holiday season often comes with all of this invisible pressure 😅 As we share in the episode, expectations are often the biggest barrier to intentional living at Christmas. The idea that we must do everything—Elf on the Shelf, elaborate meals, cards, activities, gifts—can leave us exhausted and disconnected by the time Christmas morning arrives.
When we’re depleted, presence becomes hard.
And here’s the thing friend.. if you’ve feel this too, you’re not failing. You’re responding to an unsustainable standard.
Choosing Presence Over Perfection
One of the most grounding reminders from this conversation was simple yet powerful…
You can’t do everything and feel good.
Instead of striving for the “ideal” holiday, consider asking:
- What actually brings connection in our home?
- What feels aligned with our faith and season of life?
For some families, that may look like:
- A basket of Christmas books read together by candlelight
- Lighting an Advent candle at dinner
- Sharing one meaningful tradition instead of ten rushed ones
If you’re craving guidance to slow down your nervous system and support your body during this busy season—especially if you’re pregnant, postpartum, or trying to conceive—Dr. Kayla’s Holistically Well Pregnancy & Postpartum Programs offer grounded support for the season you’re in!
Reframing Traditions Through Faith & Gratitude
A recurring theme in this conversation was returning to faith over consumerism.
From St. Nicholas traditions that emphasize generosity, to donating toys before Christmas so families can receive them in time, these practices gently redirect the focus from “What are we getting?” to “How can we give?”
Even small acts—like sponsoring a local family, donating warm clothing, or teaching children about gratitude—can anchor the season in meaning.
Sometimes the most impactful traditions are the simplest ones.
What We Can Learn from Slower Cultures
Living abroad in Norway, Monica shared how cultural rhythms naturally encourage rest:
- Stores closed on Sundays
- Extended closures over Christmas
- Protected family time
While many of us don’t live in places with built-in boundaries like these, we can borrow the philosophy:
- Saying no without guilt
- Taking time off intentionally
- Letting “enough” be enough
As you look ahead to the new year, perhaps ask yourself what boundaries might support more peace in your home not just at Christmas but throughout the year.
Grace for the Season You’re In
Perhaps one of the most tender takeaways was this reminder!
Different seasons require different versions of you.
Pregnancy. Postpartum. Grief. Illness. Transition. Each of these seasons asks something different of us.
This is not the time to compare your capacity to someone else’s… or even to who you were in a different chapter.
Store-bought food can still nourish your family.
A quieter Christmas can still be deeply holy.
And asking for help isn’t weakness.
In my very own opinion, it’s wisdom.
Finding Peace When Plans Change
Illness, loss, or unexpected changes can deeply affect the holidays. Monica’s reflections on navigating uncertainty were a gentle reminder that joy and grief can coexist. In this season, Christ meets us exactly where we are. Peace often comes not from controlling outcomes, but from grounding into what is. Health and presence are gifts in themselves.
Carrying Intentional Living Beyond Christmas
This is where the work of Wanderwild Family Retreats™ extends beyond the holiday season! Gosh, where to begin? Wanderwild Family Retreats is a space to explore the unique bond between parent and child, nurture connection across generations, and honor the sacred roots of family.
Being the only established retreat company in the Americas openly welcoming children, Wanderwild Family Retreats offers more than just a getaway, but a meaningful investment in your relationship and an unforgettable shared adventure. In a world crowded with information overload and where busy is celebrated, Wanderwild Family Retreats™ offers a pause.
Their family and mother-child retreats are designed to remove decision fatigue and foster deep connection (among sooo many other things)! Perhaps the most brilliant part about these retreats are allowing children to simply be children and support mothers without any ounce of guilt.
Looking for a meaningful experience gift or a reset in the new year? Explore Wanderwild Family & Motherhood Retreats! With code “KAYLA” you”ll receive $150 off (valid through Dec 2026 on any retreat)! They’re a beautifully intentional way to nurture connection long after the decorations come down. As Christmas arrives and we reflect on the birth of Jesus, may you be reminded that God meets us in presence not perfection and that choosing a kinder pace honors this season.
Light a candle. Say a prayer. Hold your people close.
From our hearts to yours, may your season be filled with peace, presence, and gentle joy. And if this message resonated, consider leaving a review for the Holistically Well Podcast. Your support helps this community continue to grow!
