Navigating Changing Christmas Traditions & Holiday Emotions

In this heartfelt holiday episode, Tracey and Rhonda reflect on the evolving nature of Christmas traditions and what the season truly represents. Through personal stories, they explore how family gatherings, memories, and meaning can shift over time while still holding space for joy, connection, and love.

Tracey shares how this year’s Christmas will feel different, with a smaller gathering as her daughter, who lives in Australia, won’t be home for the holidays. Despite the change, she reflects on her long-standing tradition of decorating early and emphasizes that togetherness matters more than the calendar date. Rhonda opens up about how her own family’s Christmas traditions transformed following the loss of her grandmother, highlighting how grief and gratitude often walk hand in hand during the holidays.

Together, they discuss classic Christmas traditions like stockings, family meals, and shared time, while gently reminding listeners that the heart of the season lies in presence, not perfection. The conversation offers comfort for anyone navigating change, loss, or quieter holidays, and encourages finding joy in new ways.

The episode closes with warm holiday wishes for listeners and a preview of next week’s special “Year in View” episode, featuring a reflective card pull to close out the year with intention and insight.

Smart Chapters:

• 00:00 – Modified Christmas Traditions

• 02:27 – Finding Joy in Holiday Traditions

• 05:25 – Christmas Traditions and New Year Plans