Does anyone else feel like the holidays keep getting crazier and crazier? Busier and busier? On the podcast this week is Niro Feliciano. You may recognize from her regular appearances on The Today Show. She is a certified cognitive therapist, the co-founder of Integrative Counseling and Wellness Group in Wilton, CT and the author of All is CALMish. I love her professional insight and perspective on the pressure of Christmas. She reminds that the mental health of our families will benefit as we prioritize our presence over the perfection of Christmas.

Niro reflects on the significance of holiday celebrations and the importance of meaningful connections of superficial interactions. She shares her journey of reevaluating how she celebrates the holidays, empathizing with the need for deeper connections with loved ones and a more intentional approach to social gatherings. 

My favorite part is when Niro encourages us moms to find “micro moments of joy” during the holidays. As a mom, we can spin our wheels to make everything magical for all and we forget to encounter Jesus and take care of ourselves. What are some little things you can do to dial in the peace and joy and dial out the pressure and stress?  

Before we dive right into the same Christmas chaos, let’s pray for God to order our days. How can we spend more time in the presence of Jesus? How can we focus on being over doing? What traditions and parties and commitments can we delete or pause to add more capacity?

Enjoy!

Courtney 

Chapters:

00:00 Navigating Holiday Stress

03:00 The Pressure of Perfection

06:07 Creating Meaningful Traditions

08:59 Connection Over Perfection

12:00 Finding Joy in Giving

14:55 Holiday Experiences in the City

15:32 Embracing the Holiday Spirit

18:20 Navigating Family Dynamics

25:31 Setting Boundaries for Joy

27:50 Modeling Joy for Future Generations

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess 

Courtney DeFeo

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Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Niro

All is CALMish - Niro’s new book

Light ‘Em Up Acts - ideas for giving 

NIV Application Bible

Christian Parenting Christmas Gift Guide

Prefer video? This episode is on YouTube!

Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

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