Description

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for many moms, they feel heavy, pressured, and overwhelming. In this episode, host Autumn Akins gently invites you to release the unrealistic expectations that often come with the season and embrace a slower, simpler approach to Christmas and beyond.

Autumn speaks candidly about the invisible pressure placed on moms to make the holidays magical, memorable, and Pinterest-worthy—while still managing homes, schedules, emotions, and everything in between. She reminds listeners that our kids don’t need more traditions, more activities, or more perfection. They need our peace, our presence, and our ability to actually enjoy the season with them.

This episode offers permission to let go of traditions that feel heavy, simplify routines without guilt, and create rhythms that protect your energy. With practical systems around meal planning, gift giving, and calendar boundaries, Autumn shows how simplicity doesn’t take away from the magic—it actually makes room for it. The heart of this conversation is clear: the most meaningful memories are often found in quiet moments, not crowded calendars.

What You’ll Hear:

• The pressure moms feel to create a “magical” holiday season and why it often leads to burnout.
• How social media fuels unrealistic expectations during the holidays.
• Why kids need calm and presence more than elaborate traditions.
• Questions to ask yourself before committing to holiday traditions this season.
• Why it’s okay to pause or skip traditions that don’t fit your current season of life.
• Simple, low-effort ways Autumn creates meaningful moments at home with her family.
• Holiday systems that protect peace, including meal planning, gift boundaries, and daily rhythms.
• A powerful calendar filter: asking whether something adds peace or pressure.
• Permission to choose rest, simplicity, and presence over perfection.

Key Takeaways:

• Peace Over Perfection: Your kids don’t need curated memories—they need a calm, present mom.
• Traditions Are Optional: If a tradition brings stress instead of joy, you’re allowed to let it go.
• Simple Is Still Special: Small, repeatable moments often become the most meaningful memories.
• Boundaries Create Freedom: Guarding your calendar and energy is an act of wisdom, not selfishness.
• This Season Matters Too: You don’t have to do it all for the holidays to be meaningful.

Resources:

https://autumnakins.com/reclaim

Connect with Me:

Let’s continue the conversation! Follow me on Instagram at@whatautumndoes for more tips, encouragement, and personal reflections on motherhood.

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Join Me Next Week:

Next week, we’re diving into creating intentional routines that simplify life and bring more peace to your home. Don’t miss it!