Episode 336: Managing the Holidays with David and Sissy
Raising Boys & Girls
Normalize big holiday feelings
David explains that kids (and parents) feel big emotions and reframes 'giving me a hard time' to 'having a hard time.'
In this warm and super-practical holiday episode, Sissy and David share 10 grounding tips to help families navigate Christmas with more connection and less overwhelm. They normalize the big feelings kids—and parents—experience this time of year, offer simple tools like previewing plans, using calm-down kits and code words, practicing gratitude, and building gentle rhythms instead of rigid schedules. They also speak tenderly to families carrying grief, give guidance for managing family dynamics and gift overload, and remind listeners that the holidays don’t need to be magical—just manageable, honest, and connected. They close by sharing a favorite family tradition and reading a beautiful prayer from Every Moment Holy for anyone wrapping gifts this week.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
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Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas
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All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro Feliciano
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The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones – specifically “The Light of the Whole World” chapter
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Every Moment Holy – “A Liturgy for the Wrapping of Christmas Gifts”
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