Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

In today’s episode, I am sharing 4 holiday stories of home from guests featured this year on the podcast. You will hear from Emily Baxter, Charity Gibson, Cara Semler and Bess Hawthorne as they share their Christmas memories, traditions, recipes, favorites and more. 

You will also hear a special piece from former guest, Kristen Howard, called Skipping Christmas. And I am sharing more about Traditions & Time Together with a segment on setting up 12 Dates of Christmas with your husband. It is a very full episode, so I’m sure you will gather lots of ideas to inspire your own holiday homemaking. 

EPISODE NOTES

All of the resources from this episode including recipes, photos and printable downloads are on the companion blog post. Go to theartofhomepodcast.com/blog and search "Holiday Homemaking 2025".

CONNECT WITH OUR FEATURED GUESTS

Emily Baxter Substack 

Charity Gibson | website

Kristen Howard | homesweethome.blog

Bess Hawthorne | Come Over for Dinner Podcast | Instagram

Hear more from each guest on their homemaker portraits. Go to www.theartofhomepodcast.com/podcast and search their name.

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

Welcome to the first Holiday edition of Monday Motivation!

For the next few Monday’s I will be sharing with you some inspirational Advent themed articles written by past guests of The Art of Home. These ladies are homemakers just like you who are sharing their reflections on the four themes of Advent; hope, peace, joy and love.

In this episode, you’ll hear 2 articles reflecting on the first theme of Advent-Hope. First, Tiffany Harris lights a Flame of Hope for the homemaker. Then, Amber Davis encourages us to focus on the Advent of Hope, the birth of Jesus the Messiah, our Living Hope.

FREE 2025 Daily Advent Guide: theartofhomepodcast.com/christmas

Companion Blog Post with Full Articles, Flame of Hope & Advent of Hope

Other Episodes featuring Today's Writers

Tiffany Harris's Homemaker Portrait, S15:E2

Amber Davis's Homemaker Portrait, S7:E6

Deep Dive Bible Study (Amber Davis), S23:E2

Deep Dive Prayer (Amber Davis), S25:E6

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

It's finally here!! I'm so excited to kick off our 5th annual Holiday Homemaking series with this very special episode featuring some of my dear friends.

I am joined by Sarah Hackleman, Lauren Rice, Kathlena Rule and Kelsey Myers to talk about all things Christmas. I am asking these ladies all of the usual Christmas interview questions, we do a real time taste test of our favorite sweet treats and we all share 3 favorite things we think would make great gifts to give or to receive. I am also sharing the first of my tip segments on Traditions & Time Together.

Grab some hot cocoa and settle in for a nice long holiday chat!

NOTES & LINKS

Full episode notes and links, including treat recipes, photos, links for all the favorites, and my family weekend templates are on the companion blog post. 

www.theartofhomepodcast.com/blog, search "favorites with friends 2025"

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

Do you put your tree up early? 

Looking for a way to cultivate thankfulness this holiday season? 

Turn your unadorned tree into a Gratitude Tree for the month of November!

Whether you use your unadorned Christmas tree, a cutting from the yard or a tree made from pipe cleaners, a Gratitude Tree can help center your heart on the faithfulness and goodness of God.

In This Episode:

Why I Decorate Early & Slowly

How I Keep the Fall Vibes Going with my Gratitude Tree

How to Make Your Own Gratitude Tree & Keepsake Book

NOTES & LINKS

Full show notes with photos and resource links on the blog, theartofhomepodcast.com/blog search "MM39"

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

In this final Homemaker Portrait of 2025, I am chatting with In-the-Trenches homemaker and mama to 5 girls, Jenny Nanninga. 

I loved this conversation with Jenny. She is so wise, funny, and really, she's an open book. She candidly shares her struggles to accept and adjust to life in a 700 square foot home with 5 girls and one bathroom. Though God blessed them 2 years ago with a larger home, Jenny values her time in the tiny house because she learned so much about contentment and creative homemaking there. 

She fiercely defends the value of homemaking to anyone who will listen, but most importantly to her girls and she is training them not just in the practical skills of the home but in valuing the work of the homemaker. 

We cover all the usual ground of strengths, weaknesses, influences, wins, fails and more. 

NOTES & LINKS

For Full Show Notes, including Jenny's favorites and Signature Dish, go to theartofhomepodcast.com/blog and search "Jenny Nanninga"

Connect with Jenny

Etsy (for Nature Group Start Up Guide and more!)

Instagram @bloom.wild.schoolhouse

Articles in Focus on the Family and Brio

The Joyful Life articles

Bloom Wild Girls, Podcast for Tween & Teen Girls | Apple | Spotify | Instagram

Mentioned in this Episode

Books: A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich 

Mother Carey's Chickens by Kate Douglas Wiggin

Power Paste Grout Cleaner

FREE Advent Guide: theartofhomepodcast.com/christmas

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

🎄Today we are wrapping up 😉 the "Making Room" series with a look at making room in your heart for Christmas.

 We've talked about Making Room in Your Home for gracious hospitality, Making Room in Your Budget for generous giving, and Making Room in Your Schedule for savoring the season. 

In this episode we are talking about Advent. Specifically, how the Good News of Christ's first and second advents (or arrivals) fuel our hope, peace, joy and love at Christmas and every other day of the year. 

NOTES & LINKS

Need to talk about receiving a new heart? Text me 👆and include your name and email address!!! Or send me an email [email protected].

FREE Advent Study Guide: theartofhomepodcast.com/Christmas

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

I am chatting with in-the-trenches homemaker, Caitlin McCormick, about her experience keeping a home full time and homeschooling her 3 children. 

Married to Seth, a hospital Chaplin, for 7 years, together they are raising 2 toddlers and 1 teenager. After both of their first marriages dissolved due to abuse and unfaithfulness, Caitlin and Seth feel immense gratitude to God for this 2nd chance at a redemptive marriage, that is, a marriage built on God’s good design for living together as a family. 

I have found another thrifting soul sister in Caitlin and we chat about our recent best thrift finds to kick off this great homemaking conversation. 

Caitlin loves her family, she loves homemaking and she is passionate about infusing all of her life with her love for Jesus, something that comes out loud and clear in this interview.

NOTES & LINKS

All Show Notes + Recipes at theartofhomepodcast.com/blog, search "Caitlin McCormick"

Deep Dive Identity with Susan Macias

MM #14, Homemaker Identity, Pt 1

MM#15, Rehab For Your Heart, Identity Pt 2

Invade by Watermark

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

How many times have you come to the end of the holiday season feeling like December went by in a blur of pointless activity and stress?

Today I want to encourage you to take time early on to be thoughtful and purposeful with your holiday schedule. I will give you some tips on how to hold a family meeting and do some backwards planning so that you can maintain margin to savor the season, to delight in the small joys of Christmas, and to welcome whatever God ordains for your days. 

NOTES & LINKS

MM #11 Stress Free Party Planning (Backwards Planning Basics)

Backwards Planning Sheets with 2025 Blank Calendar

Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Our Overloaded Lives | Richard Swenson, NavPress, 2003.

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

Today, I am chatting with in-the-trenches homemaker, Jayme Cherry. It was such a delight to visit with Jayme and hear all about the ups and downs of military life, the unexpected blessing of having 4 kids in the span of only 4 1/2 years, and much more of her 17-year homemaking journey. 

We bonded over our common first married housing hovels, as Jayme calls hers. She shares about the lasting influence of her mother’s devotion to home and family and how that is shaping her own homemaking. 

We cover all the usual ground and Jayme has some great stories and much wisdom to share with all of us. 

NOTES & LINKS**

For episode show notes, including Jayme's Signature Dish recipe, go to www.theartofhomepodcast.com/blog and search "Jayme Cherry".

Call to Action: Send me a text ☝🏻and tell me how you are going to intentionally repurpose or double-purpose space in your home this holiday season.

Connect with Jayme: IG @thecherrykitchen

Jayme's Favorite Resource: Once Upon a Chef, Weeknight Weekend, Jennifer Segal

Focus on the Family Radio Theater presents The Chronicles of Narnia

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend

Send me a one-way text about this episode! I'll give you a shout out or answer your question on a future episode.

In this second installment of our Making Room Series, I'm joined by special guest, Jessica Fisher, to tackle Making Room in Your Budget for the holidays. 

We will look at 3 best practices you can implement now to avoid overbuying, stress, and Christmas debt. 

Let's make room in our budgets this holiday season for giving and celebrating with generosity, gratitude and joy.

NOTES & RESOURCES

Jessica's Links:

• www.lifeasmom.com & www.goodcheapeats.com
• Christmas Budget Worksheet (free) on lifeasmom.com
• Holiday Baking Supply Checklist (free) on goodcheapeats.com
• Holiday Success Kit Christmas Planner on goodcheapeats.com, use code ALLISON25 for 25% off your order

FULL SHOW NOTES AND LINKS on the companion blog post for this episode. www.theartofhomepodcast.com/blog, search "MM 36".

Be Our Guest! Apply or Nominate Through 11.23.25 or before all spots are filled. 

theartofhomepodcast.com/guest

Support the show

HOMEMAKING RESOURCES

• Private Facebook Group, Homemaker Forum
• Newsletter Archive
• JR Miller's Homemaking Study Guide

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Review | Love The Podcast
• Contact | Voicemail |Instagram | Facebook | Website | Email
• Follow | Follow The Podcast
• Support | theartofhomepodcast.com/support
• **Buy | as an Amazon affiliate, AoH receives a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use our links to purchase items we recommend