This Christmas looks different.

And if yours does too, if there is an empty chair or an unanswered question or a truth that still hurts, then sit with me a minute on this Christmas Eve.

In this episode, I talk about the grief tucked inside the holidays, the families in our mountain county who are hurting, and the truth that healing cannot begin where lies still live.

I talk about my mama’s strength, the year I finally sat down, and the moment I stood back up again.

And then, woven through the heartache, the mountains step in with their wisdom about landslides, floodwaters, and what it really means to start over.

I also share all the things I ain’t doing in 2026, including shrinking myself, biting my tongue, or pretending everything is fine when it is not.

If this season feels heavy for you, or if you are finding your way back to peace, I hope this one reaches your heart.

Merry Christmas, from my little mountain to yours.

Mandy on the Mountain 🌼