eeling stressed, tired, or disheartened this Christmas season? You're not broken — you're carrying a lot. In this episode, Sterling talks about why so many moms feel disappointed at Christmas (even when they "did everything right"), and how to prevent that disappointment before it hits.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 4 common places Christmas disappointment shows up (and why)

• What to do when you feel like you have to do everything

• How to handle kids being disappointed without shaming them

• How to deal with disappointment around gifts (giving and receiving)

• Why it's okay to feel sad — and how to be at peace while you do

• The most important plan: putting YOU into Christmas (24th, 25th, or 26th)

A practical, compassionate pep talk for the mom who's trying to hold it all together — and wants a calmer, more meaningful Christmas.

Come see how often our good intentions accidentally make our lives more complicated — from elaborate birthday cakes to overfull calendars and holiday expectations. She walks through practical, real-life examples of choosing the simple option on purpose so you have more room for peace, prayer, and presence with your family and with the Lord.

Learn about:

• Why our excitement often pushes us toward complex plans

• How "just as special" simple choices can be (like a basic chocolate cake)

• What to do when your schedule is packed and something has to give

• Letting kids be disappointed instead of over-performing as a mom

• Simple ways to approach holidays, gifts, activities, and home life

• A peek at the new Mary's Heart, Martha's Order Planner and how it supports a simpler, more prayerful rhythm

A gentle but clear invitation to step out of the circus, choose the simpler path, and make more space for Jesus in your actual daily life.

Light in the Darkness - My Advent Book on Amazon

Jesus, I Trust You by Sr. Faustina Maria on Amazon (Book I'm reading for Advent)

A No Disappointment Christmas episode

EPISODE SUMMARY
Thankful for Husbands (Even When It's Hard)

In today's episode of the Catholic Mom Calm Podcast, Sterling shares a deeply honest reflection on gratitude — especially gratitude for our husbands, even in seasons of struggle. She also talks about the unexpected moment when your podcast reviews brought her to tears in the bathtub (in the best way!).

Sterling explores:

• How culture has programmed us to view men negatively

• Why so many husbands are carrying invisible wounds

• How disrespect slowly erodes connection

• Simple ways to rebuild safety, kindness, and appreciation in marriage

• How to speak life into your husband — even if things feel hard right now

A beautiful, heartfelt episode to help you enter Thanksgiving with a softer, more grateful heart.