{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/69e6c5aeabe143da5b42f969/69e6c5b723929c3a2a41360e?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"EP 009: “What Holiday?” Parenting Through Christmas & Total Exhaustion","description":"<p>Christmas is often painted as a time to slow down and soak it all in — but for many parents, it can feel anything but restful.</p><p>In this episode of <em>Hot Messes Big Visions</em>, Nikki and Soph reflect on the reality of parenting through the holiday season. From managing Christmas expectations and cultural traditions to hosting, working, and navigating the chaos that comes with kids at home, this conversation explores why the holidays can feel so overwhelming.</p><p><br /></p><p>We talk honestly about:</p><ul><li><p>the pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas</p></li><li><p>expectations vs reality during the holidays</p></li><li><p>cultural differences in how Christmas is celebrated</p></li><li><p>parenting exhaustion and holiday burnout</p></li><li><p>balancing work and family life</p></li><li><p>the gaps in childcare and support for parents</p></li></ul><p>As we look ahead to the year to come, we also share what we’re excited about, what we’re planning for the platform, and how we hope to better support parents moving forward.</p><p>If Christmas left you feeling tired, overstimulated, or quietly thinking <em>“was that even a holiday?”</em> — you’re not alone. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do it all, and that parenting through the holidays is hard for so many families.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Welcome &amp; reflecting on the holidays<br />02:40 Christmas expectations vs reality<br />05:14 Cultural Christmas celebrations<br />08:36 Holiday exhaustion with kids<br />14:07 Finding routine after the holidays<br />19:13 Parenting, work &amp; work-life balance<br />23:34 Evolving childcare needs<br />25:54 Looking ahead to what’s next</p><p><br /></p><p><em>Hot Messes Big Visions</em> is a podcast about parenting, identity, work, and modern family life — told honestly, without pressure to have it all together.</p>","author_name":"Nikki Pak, Sophia Phieros"}