In this special episode, we chat with three expert guests who share insights about how they create family traditions that are in alignment with their beliefs and personal values and how they navigate through the trappings of cultural norms at this time of year. We wanted to get their perspectives on how they focus on simplicity and intention instead of materialism, especially with young kids.
A common thread of all three of our conversations is that making the holidays your own is not just a one-time conversation with your kids or your partner. It is about sowing seeds and knowing every year is going to look a little different and every year is going to grow and change and develop, much like a family does. That’s a beautiful thing!
Each of these guests chose to be really vulnerable with us about both the challenges and joys of mothering and having big, meaningful conversations about the things that matter the most to you. We cover everything from communicating with in-laws to intentional gift giving to how to deal with commercials on TV!
We adored these conversations and know that they will give you inspiration and confidence to branch out and create your own traditions, regardless of what you’ve done in the past!
In This Episode:
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Tips for keeping gift giving simple
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How to approach the subject of simple gift giving with friends and family members
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How to talk with your children about making gifts intentional
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How to make the holidays more about connection than gifts
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How to add spiritual practices to the season regardless of your beliefs
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How to cultivate curiosity in kids
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Adding historical references to current cultural practices
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Incorporating the natural world by making handmade gifts
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Celebrating the joy of simply being together
Show Notes:
Holiday Giveaway – Head over to Instagram to participate! We’re giving away something special from each of our guests and you don’t want to miss it!
The Minimalist Mom
The Joy of Doing Nothing: A Real-Life Guide to Stepping Back, Slowing Down, and Creating a Simpler, Joy-Filled Life, by Rachel Jonat
Whole Family Rhythms
Whole Family Rhythms Seasonal Guides
Phaedra Jean Art Machine
About Our Guests:
Rachel Jonat is the author of Do Less: A Minimalist Guide to a Simplified, Organized and Happy Life, The Minimalist Mom: How to Simply Parent Your Baby, and The Joy of Doing Nothing. A sought-out expert on minimalism and simplifying, she has been featured on television and radio, The Globe and Mail, Babble, and Business Insider. She lives in the Kootenay region of British Columbia with her husband and three sons. You can read more of her work at her website and connect with her here: Facebook | Instagram
Megan Wilson is first and foremost, Mama to 4 beautiful souls: North, Indigo, Juniper and Sage. She and her husband create an intentional daily rhythm for their children based on their core values. On her blog, Megan shares resources to draw upon to create a nature-based, Waldorf education in the home. Her seasonal guides include recipes, activities, and inspirations for parents and caregivers. You can connect with her here:
Phaedra Taylor was raised on the rocky shores of northern Scotland, where a love of all things old seeped into her bones. At thirteen she was transplanted to Dallas, Texas, where she learned to love open spaces and quiet landscapes. After discovering an artistic interest in drawing during anatomy class, she completed her BFA with a concentration in sculpture. Since then she has been exploring the disciplines of encaustic painting, printmaking, watercolor and assemblage. She is interested in ideas of play, innocence, memory, and belonging. Phaedra lives in a small town just outside Houston, Texas with her husband, daughter and infant son, where she attempts to maintain a consistent studio practice while negotiating the demands of motherhood. You can connect with her here: Website | Instagram
