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.

In this episode of Hot Messes Big Visions, 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.

We talk honestly about:

• the pressure to create the “perfect” Christmas

• expectations vs reality during the holidays

• cultural differences in how Christmas is celebrated

• parenting exhaustion and holiday burnout

• balancing work and family life

• the gaps in childcare and support for parents

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.

If Christmas left you feeling tired, overstimulated, or quietly thinking “was that even a holiday?” — 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.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & reflecting on the holidays
02:40 Christmas expectations vs reality
05:14 Cultural Christmas celebrations
08:36 Holiday exhaustion with kids
14:07 Finding routine after the holidays
19:13 Parenting, work & work-life balance
23:34 Evolving childcare needs
25:54 Looking ahead to what’s next

Hot Messes Big Visions is a podcast about parenting, identity, work, and modern family life — told honestly, without pressure to have it all together.