Episode 336: Managing the Holidays with David and Sissy
Raising Boys & Girls
Keep check-ins simple and actionable
Sissy suggests quick emotional check-ins (green/yellow/red) and simple regulation steps like walks or breathing.
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:
-
Strong and Smart: A Boy's Guide to Building Healthy Emotions by David Thomas
-
All Is Calmish: How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays by Niro Feliciano
-
The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd-Jones – specifically “The Light of the Whole World” chapter
-
Every Moment Holy – “A Liturgy for the Wrapping of Christmas Gifts”
. . . . . .
Sign up to receive the bi-monthly newsletter to keep up to date with where David and Sissy are speaking, where they are taco'ing, PLUS conversation starters for you and your family to share!
Access Raising Boys and Girls courses here!
Connect with David, Sissy, and Melissa at raisingboysandgirls.com
Owen Learns He Has What it Takes: A Lesson in Resilience
Lucy Learns to Be Brave: A Lesson in Courage
. . . . . .
If you would like to partner with Raising Boys and Girls as a podcast sponsor, fill out our Advertise With Us form.
A special thank you to our sponsors:
QUINCE: Go to Quince.com/rbg for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns.
THRIVE MARKET: Head over to ThriveMarket.com/rbg to get 30% off your first order and a FREE $60 gift.
NIV APPLICATION BIBLE: Save an additional 10% on any NIV Application Bible and NIV Application Commentary Resources by visiting faithgateway.com/nivab and using promo code RBG.
MERCY SHIPS: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast.
OMAHA STEAKS: Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
WAYFAIR: Get organized, refreshed, and ready for the holidays for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The AI-powered Podcast Player
