November Roundtable: The Holiday Overwhelm Episode with Paige Connell & Allie McQuaid

The holidays are supposed to feel warm and joyful- but for most moms, they also come with nonstop logistics, emotional labor, and a running mental checklist that never really turns off. And for millennial moms especially, the expectations feel higher than ever.

In this month’s roundtable, Erin Holland (PG-ish Podcast) and I are joined by Paige Connell (@sheisapageturner) and Allie McQuaid (@millennialmomtherapist) for a conversation that goes right into the thick of it: the mental load, the pressure to make things magical, the generational friction that shows up the minute you walk into a family gathering, and the complicated mix of joy and burnout that this season brings.

In this episode we cover:

• Why the holidays hit so hard when your plate was already full in July
• The “fun mom” pressure and why it doesn't make sense, when you’re the one noticing, planning, packing, and remembering
• How early messaging around anger and emotions shows up again in motherhood
• The emotional gymnastics of blended families, divorced parenting, and juggling multiple households
• Why social media intensifies holiday expectations (and how to spot what’s actual life vs. content creation)
• What our kids really remember and why it’s almost never the expensive or elaborate stuff
• How to rethink traditions, drop the “shoulds,” and pay attention to what actually brings joy or ease
• The permission to let this year look different than last year (or any year)

It’s honest, relatable, a little funny, and full of the kind of “oh right, it’s not just me” moments that make the holidays feel a little more doable.

Listen in, especially if the season feels like a lot before it’s even started.

Connect with Paige and Allie:

Paige Connell — @sheisapageturner

Allie McQuaid — @millennialmomtherapist

Connect with Ashley:

Website: https://www.ashleyblackington.com

Podcast website: https://www.andbothpodcast.com/

Dovetail® App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dovetail-app/id6744341822

Instagram: @mydovetail.app

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyblackington/