If Christmas feels more like pressure than peace, this episode is for you. In this honest Christmas Eve conversation, Elyse (Australia) and Michelle (USA) talk about expectations, stress, family dynamics, and how Christian mums can survive the holidays without losing their joy—or snapping at the people they love most. Drawing from Colossians 3:17, they gently reframe Christmas as an opportunity to live, serve, and love as representatives of Jesus, not performers of perfection.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why Christmas Day itself isn’t stressful—but expectations are

• The pressure cooker of family dynamics, travel, and mental load

• Doing everything “as a representative of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17)

• Letting go of Pinterest pressure and unrealistic standards

• How simplifying traditions protects your joy and your marriage

• Practical ways to care for yourself during the holidays

• Christmas isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Expectations create stress; grace creates peace.

• Your attitude matters as much as your actions. Even small moments reflect who (and what) we’re living for.

• Simplifying isn’t failure—it’s wisdom. Especially for mums carrying the mental load.

Have a question, story, or topic you want us to cover—but want to stay anonymous? We’ve created a 100% anonymous Google Form where you can share freely: 👉 bit.ly/cmtellus

Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood. If this episode encouraged you, share it with a mum who needs permission to breathe this Christmas.

Contact Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

If Christmas traditions are starting to feel like a second job, this episode is your permission slip to simplify. Elyse (Australia) and Michelle (USA) talk about what they keep, what they skip (yes, Elf on the Shelf), and how to build meaningful memories without the Pinterest pressure.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The traditions we actually enjoy vs. the ones that quietly drain us

• Elf on the Shelf (why it’s a hard pass for many moms)

• Aussie Christmas culture: beach mornings, seafood, carols in the park

• Staying home Christmas morning: slow, cosy, and kid-friendly

• “Something you want, something you need, something to read” gift idea

• Why simple can be more spiritual (and more joyful)

• If it’s making you stressed and snappy, it’s not serving your family. Simple can still be special.

• Traditions should make memories—not add mental load. You don’t need to keep up with imaginary Pinterest mums.

• Ask “why are we doing this?” Is it drawing you closer to Jesus and each other—or just pressure?

Have a story, question, or topic you want us to talk about—but don’t want your name attached? We’ve created a 100% anonymous Google form just for that. 👉🏻 bit.ly/cmtellus

Subscribe so you never miss an episode of Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood. Come tell us: what tradition are you keeping… and what are you joyfully ditching this year?

Contact Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Is Santa okay for Christian families? And why does Christmas make mums feel like they have to be magical, matchy, and endlessly cheerful? Elyse and Michelle get honest about Santa stories, Pinterest pressure, over-gifting, and the myth of the “perfect Christian Christmas mom.”

They talk pajamas, presents, Hobby Lobby hauls, and then gently pull it all back to Luke, the incarnation, and simple ways to invite Jesus into the chaos instead of trying to perform your way to a picture-perfect December.

1. Santa isn’t the savior—Jesus is. You can handle Santa differently in each family, but the non-negotiable is that Christmas is about Christ, not a man in a red suit or a pile of presents.

2. The “perfect Christmas mom” does not exist. Social media, magazines, and movies sell a styled, staged version of Christmas that doesn’t include toddlers, tight budgets, or perimenopausal mood swings—so stop holding yourself to that standard.

3. Simplifying is deeply spiritual, not lazy. Fewer gifts, experience-based presents, realistic traditions, and less “stuff” can ease the mental load and make more room for Scripture, prayer, and actually enjoying your family.

• Subscribe to the podcast for more unfiltered chats about faith, family, and navigating big expectations in ordinary, imperfect homes.

• Share this episode with a mum who feels behind on shopping, decorating, or “doing Christmas right” and remind her that Jesus, not her performance, holds this season together.

Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – christianmotherhood@gmail.com

Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.