Holiday Homemaking Q&A with Jessica Fisher: Less Pressure, More Meaning
A December birthday, a crowded calendar, different dietary needs around the table, a home that feels too small, or a new baby on the way—holiday homemaking can bring real joys and real complications. How do we make room for what matters without trying to make every detail perfect? How do we accommodate the needs and desires of others while holding fast to our immediate family's values?
In this listener Q&A, Jessica Fisher joins Allison to offer practical, compassionate ideas for listener submitted questions. They talk about making a December birthday feel distinct from Christmas, planning meals with different needs in mind, and creating welcoming gathering spots in a small home. They also share ways to simplify stockings and gifts, reduce clutter, preparing for Christmas with toddlers or a newborn, and introducing Advent to littles.
As the conversation turns to navigating expectations with extended family, their steady counsel is to talk early with your spouse and family, decide what matters most in this season, and stay flexible about how and when you celebrate.
You don’t need a picture-perfect holiday to make meaningful memories. Take the ideas that fit your home, and let the rest go.
Listen to the full episode in your podcast player or click the link below to listen here.
EPISODE RESOURCES
STOCKING INSPIRATION:
Holiday Homemaking 2024, Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Episode
Prep Ahead for Holidays with Babies & Toddlers
Jessica’s cookie kit on Life as Mom: A make-ahead cookie activity—bake and freeze cookies ahead, then let children decorate them later. https://lifeasmom.com/diy-on-a-dime-make-a-cookie-kit/
Make-ahead holiday cooking: Double-batch meals now and freeze them. Make 1 or 2 candies or cookies now and freeze them. Allison's Fudge would work really well for this. 😉
Advent and Christmas with young children: A tactile, child-friendly Nativity they can play with all season, a simple Jesse tree tells how all of the Bible is about Jesus, wrapping Nativity pieces to open through the season; and picture book countdown.
Books for Young Child's Advent Countdown: The Pine Tree Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs, The Three Trees by Anglea Elwell Hunt, Christmas in the Manger by Laura Godwin, Who is Coming to Our House? by Joseph Slate, The Good News of Christmas by Brasseur & James, The Christmas Promise by Mitchell & Echeverri, Hymns for Little Ones: O Holy Night by Sydney Hanson, Sounding Joy by Ellie Holcolmb, M is for Manger: An ABC Book for Toddlers About Christmas and the Nativity by Bowman & McKinley, Great & Small Christmas by B&H Kids
“Matthew’s Begats” by Andrew Peterson: A song based on the genealogy in Matthew, suggested as a fun family song to learn. https://youtu.be/uiBJLMlpPSk?si=c-wJvPkmkOEk8QSg
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