Christmas Then and Now. How We Balance Joy, Culture, and Cost The 3L's Podcast Ep 22

Christmas looked different when we were kids. One of us grew up with double celebrations in Nigeria but no real presents. The other waited years for one gift and saw parents stretch every pound to make the day special. Those early years shaped how we see the season now. We speak about childhood memories, immigration struggles, catalogue shopping, trees that came late, and the joy that came from food and family. We share how our own trauma pushed us to overspend in the early years with our children and how we learned to focus on meaning instead of piles of presents. We explain our simple gift plan. One thing they want. Something to read. Something to wear. A small extra treat. We talk about donating toys, buying smart after Christmas, and avoiding the trap of early pay that drains January. We open up about hosting. Why the load should be shared. Why guests need to bring something. Why you protect your home and your budget. We speak about loneliness at Christmas and give a reminder to call people who might be struggling. This year we prepare for our first Christmas abroad. We look forward to warmth, new sights, and watching our kids experience the season in a new country. You get honest talk. You get humour. You get a real look at how our family does Christmas, how far we have come, and why gratitude guides us through the season.