Family Holidays Episodes

In this podcast episode, DJ has a lively conversation with the jolly man himself - Santa Claus! Grab your children and listen in as Santa shares insights into life at the North Pole, mentioning a recent heatwave at -40 degrees, and sheds light on the magic behind the flying reindeer, explaining the combination of special breeding and Christmas magic. Be sure to stay tuned! Santa also delves into the activities of the elves during the summer, with some heading to the South Pole for a change of sc...

In this special episode, DJ explores the challenges and stress associated with the holiday season and shares six keys to manage and find joy amidst the chaos. Listen in as she talks about the overwhelming nature of decorating, party planning, cooking, and gift-buying, and as she delves into the impact on both adults and children. And stay tuned for tips on prioritizing and managing time effectively, nurturing family traditions, finding a balance in cooking and party planning, thoughtful gift-giv...

In this podcast episode, DJ invited Bailey Olsen back on the show to discuss the holiday activities & traditions that meant a lot to them in adolescence. Listen in as they talk about the things they do now with their children and grandchildren and offer up some unique ideas for you to make Christmas meaningful for your family. Bailey is a second and third grade elementary school teacher and just like our beloved host (who she happens to be related to), Bailey has a passion for teaching children...

In this podcast episode, DJ invited Natalie Silverstein back on the show to discuss the many opportunities for giving and service around the holidays. Tune in as they discuss the hope we all have to raise grateful, grounded, compassionate and empathetic children and how to do that through modeling a life of service, being aware of others, as well as keeping our eyes, ears, hearts and minds open to the needs of others… not just during the holidays but throughout the year. Natalie Silverstein is ...

You work hard to make Christmas magical for your children… But what makes Christmas magical for you? In this episode DJ spoke with mom of 2 and Couples and Family Counseling Masters Student, Regan Mitton. Tune in to hear them discuss keeping your stress at bay, assumptions and expectations in check and how dropping the traditions that don’t work for your family, being intentional about the customs and events you do include in your holidays and making your yes’s and no’s meaningful will help keep...

In this solo episode, DJ is sharing some things that are very personal to her about the trinity of holidays that occur between now and December 31st. Tune in to hear her thoughts about why they come in the order they do; how Thanksgiving, gratitude and being humble go hand in hand; how Christmas is about letting Christ into our hearts, being kinder, more caring and more understanding; and about how we typically see opportunities when the New Year approaches to improve our lives and the lives of ...

Last episode, DJ brought you 10 tips to help your child avoid a Christmas meltdown. In this episode, she’s bringing all you overcommitted, trying-to-exceed-everyone’s-expectations, grown-ups out there some tips to avoid your own meltdown as you navigate your way through the busy holiday season. Avoid your own spontaneous combustion and stay tuned for this episode! DJ gets real with her advice for all you parents out there trying to make Christmas perfect for everyone and poses some important qu...

Tis’ the season for large family gatherings, twinkling lights, music, laughter, presents, an overabundance of food and more. In this episode, DJ shares her top tips on how to consider your child’s individual needs and their routine to keep them from becoming overstimulated this holiday. Explaining to your children what is to come, like the fact that Grandma and Grandpa are coming to visit for Christmas and will be taking over their bed until they leave, will help reduce anxiety and potential ta...

In this episode DJ is talking about the upcoming Trinity of Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s, how they are all connected and how each one can prepare you and your family for the next and enrich your lives… if you look at them as steps we can all take to be better people. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND the 3 truths, the Trinity of Holidays and how teaching your children the precepts around these Holidays - humility, gratitude and new beginnings - can lead them...

Traditions and rules are being broken in this podcast episode! And everyone is going to be better for it! Tune in to hear how you and your children can have a more substantive and impactful holiday season together by intentionally setting out to create your own traditions and doing only what feels right for you and your family. Be sure to leave us a 5-Star Rating and Review. BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND when it comes to the chaos of the holidays, letting go of the things...

HALLOWEEN is coming! And it is an exciting time of year for our children. In this episode, DJ is breaking down the pros and cons of “All Hallows Eve” and how we can turn this spooky and sugar-filled occasion into a beautiful relationship building and teaching moment for our little moppets! BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL UNDERSTAND how to utilize the Halloween holiday as an enriching teaching moment for your child and create lasting memories. Tell us how you have capitalized on the Ha...