On the Mess Express

Happy Holidays… or Merry Christmas? We’re diving into the festive debates, traditions, and funny realities that come with the holiday season.

In this episode, we chat about why “Happy Holidays” has become a more inclusive greeting, the age-old debate over turkey (yes, even at Christmas), and why gift-giving can feel extra complicated—especially when birthdays land right around the holidays.

We get into the joy of Christmas morning through kids’ eyes, share stories about gifts that truly meant something (and ones that definitely missed the mark), and how losing something during the holidays can spiral into a whole unexpected adventure.

We also tackle one of the most divisive topics of the season: Christmas inflatables—fun, festive… or totally impractical? 👀

From cherished family traditions to memorable holiday mishaps, this episode is a cozy, honest reflection on what makes the season feel special—even when it’s chaotic.

Grab a cocktail, wrap a gift, or hide from your kids for 30 minutes and press play. 🎁🎄

#happyholidays #holidayepisode #podcast #parenthood #podcastclips #relatablecontent#reallife #parentinghumor

#millennialparents #banter #christmaschaos #familylife

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson celebrate the season one finale of their podcast. They reflect on the journey, discussing favorite moments, the unexpected direction the season took, and their plans for season two. The episode is filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and a special holiday giveaway announcement.

#giveaway #amazon #seasonfinale #season1

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss various family traditions and challenges they face during the holiday season. They reflect on their podcast journey, share insights about Christmas preparations, and explore the dynamics of parenting during festive times. The conversation also touches on failed traditions, the importance of holiday parties, and their plans for the upcoming season of the podcast.

#parenting #parenthood #family #kids #holidays #holidayseason #fails #wins #traditions #podcast #marriage #holidayparties #hosting #foryou #season1

In this episode, Lindsay from Lynn River Farm shares her journey of starting a family-run farm that focuses on organic produce and community-supported agriculture. She discusses the challenges of beginning a farm, the daily operations, and the importance of community support. Lindsay also highlights the farm's farm-to-table experiences, future aspirations, and special events like Thanksgiving dinners and graze boxes.

#lynnriverfarm #grazelynnriver #community #supportlocal #farmtotable #dinnerexperiences #farm #perthcounty #stratford #ontario #exploreontario #familyrun #organic #produce #grazefarmdinners #countrycookouts #discoverstratford #familyfarm

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the challenges of Sundays, often referred to as 'Sunday Scaries.' They explore the chaos of family life, the pressure of preparing for the week ahead, and the unrealistic portrayals of Sundays on social media. The conversation also touches on the potential benefits of a four-day work week and how to find balance amidst the chaos of parenting and household responsibilities.

#parenting #podcast #kids #work #balance #life #onthemessexpress #couples #husbandwife #banter #humor #parenthood #busyparents #sports #hustle

Craig and Vanessa Simpson dive into family life, discussing their children's evolving styles, the influence of peers, and the balance between self-expression and maintaining values. They also explore the challenges of busy schedules, the importance of self-care, and the joy of watching their son excel in sports.

#parenting #parenthood #onthemessexpress #relationships #kids #influence #peers #selfcare #holidays #parties #schedules #busyparents #kidsinschool #family #familylife #values #sports #selfexpression

Craig and Vanessa Simpson discuss the joys and challenges of hosting holiday parties, sharing personal anecdotes and humorous insights about Thanksgiving and party planning. They explore the dynamics of hosting versus attending, the stress of preparation, and the satisfaction of creating memorable events. Additionally, they delve into celebrity couples and reveal Craig's special surprise for Vanessa.

#HolidayHosting

#ThanksgivingFun

#PartyPlanning

#CelebrityGossip

#DIYDecor

#FamilyTime

#Oktoberfest

#MarriageHumor

#EventPlanning

#HomeEntertaining

#Continent's

#HusbandandWife

#Marriage

#Relationships

In this Thanksgiving special episode, Craig and Vanessa prepare festive dishes and drinks for their family gathering. They explore new recipes, including a Brussels sprouts casserole and a buffalo chicken dip served in carved pumpkins. The duo shares laughs and challenges while cooking, culminating in a taste test of their festive cocktail, which doesn't go as planned. The episode wraps up with reflections on Thanksgiving traditions and gratitude for their audience.

#onthemessexpress #thanksgiving #happythanksgiving #cooking #cookingwins #cookingfails #family #festive #cocktails #pumpkins #apps #casserole #marriagehumor #husbandandwife #marriage #couplegoals #cooktogether #banter #laughs

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa Simpson discuss their experiences and memories related to Thanksgiving, including family traditions, the challenges of hosting, and the humorous mishaps with green bean casserole. They also talk about the sober movement, in particular, sober October and their sponsor, Benjamin Tree Farm, and the various attractions it offers. The episode concludes with reflections on gratitude and the importance of family.

#fall #familyfun #traditions #memories #benjamintreefarm #thanksgiving #thankful #grateful #pumpkinpatch #giveway #sobermovement #ontario #exploreontario #kitchenerwaterloo #community #supportlocal

In this episode, Craig and Vanessa discuss the arrival of fall and the excitement of seasonal activities. They share their experiences with boys night adventures, the challenges of back-to-school routines, and their recent visit to Shuh Orchards for apple picking. The couple emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses and creating memorable family outings during the fall season.

#supportlocal #community #fall #shuhorchards #family #familytime #parenting #parenthood #appleorchard #traditions #memories #ontario #funonthefarm