<p>Do the holidays already feel like a to-do list? In this week’s episode, Hav and Aleea unpack the emotional and mental load of being the one who “makes the magic.” Because sometimes the pressure to create the perfect holiday turns into resentment, guilt, and burnout.</p><p>They talk about the Pinterest-perfect expectations, the subtle shame around gifts, and how social media can make even meaningful traditions feel like they’re not “enough.” They are breaking down how to redefine holiday traditions, reduce pressure, and focus on what actually matters — connection, not consumption.</p><p>If you’re craving a more grounded, joyful season (and permission to ask for help), this episode is for you. ✨</p><p><br></p><p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Missed the last episode? </strong><a href="https://bit.ly/MOMFilesEp10" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Listen in here! </a></li><li><a href="https://pod.link/1530040496/episode/OWRmMTk5MTUtODk2Zi00OWZjLThlYjMtYTY5NDljMTNkMDI4" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Hear Emily's episode on The Messy Mom Podcast!</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@emily_wehner?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Connect with Emily on TikTok</strong></a></li><li><a href="https://emilywehner.myflodesk.com/childhoodmagic?utm_campaign=button_list_ChildhoodMagicPDF&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"><strong>Sign up for Emily's newsletter</strong></a></li><li><strong>Want Christmas-specific magic?</strong> <a href="https://emilywehner.myflodesk.com/christmasmagic?utm_campaign=button_list_ChristmasMagicPDF&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">She has that too! </a></li><li><strong>Follow us</strong> on <a href="https://instagram.com/goldengoosecreative" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@goldengoosecreative" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a> @goldengoosecreative </li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Need podcast support?</strong> <a href="https://wolverine-chihuahua-35eh.squarespace.com/overview" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Check out our services!</a></p><p><strong>Want to be a guest or have a topic in mind?</strong> <a href="https://wolverine-chihuahua-35eh.squarespace.com/contact" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Send us a message!</a></p></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>CHAPTERS</strong></p><p>00:36 Creating Christmas magic without spending big</p><p>03:23 Halloween costume hacks & swapping ideas</p><p>09:01 Let’s talk crafts: the cute ideas vs. the reality</p><p>14:44 Gift budgets, boundaries & resetting expectations</p><p>20:16 Holiday traditions that matter more than presents</p><p>28:33 Holiday pressure is REAL — here’s how we cope</p>
