What if the holidays felt lighter, calmer, and genuinely joyful this year? In this live episode, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip, PhD in Psychology and renowned relationship expert, to unpack the invisible mental load so many of us carry during the holiday season.
From gift-giving and school events to holiday meals and family expectations, the pressure can sneak up quickly, and suddenly everything feels heavier than it should. Morgan helps break down why this happens and how to shift out of overwhelm before the season even begins.
One of the biggest sources of holiday stress for moms is the unrealistic standards we place on ourselves: perfect decorations, perfect meals, perfect memories. Dr. Cutlip explains how these quiet expectations build into a full mental load—often without us realizing it. We discuss how cultural messaging, childhood programming, and social media pressure all contribute to a sense that you’re “falling behind,” even when you’re doing more than enough. By spotting these patterns early, you can interrupt the cycle and make space for a more grounded, intentional season.
The heart of the conversation is creating realistic holiday expectations. Morgan shares practical ways to simplify activities, reduce decision fatigue, and prioritize what actually matters to you and your family. This looks like choosing fewer commitments, releasing the pressure to create Instagram-worthy moments, and focusing on presence instead of production. When you let go of unnecessary demands, the holidays become far more meaningful, and far less draining.
We also dive into how couples can work together to better share responsibilities. Dr. Cutlip offers scripts for communicating needs without resentment, tips for dividing tasks, and ways to approach the season as teammates rather than one person carrying it all. Whether you’re overwhelmed by holiday magic-making or just craving a calmer month ahead, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a much-needed reset.
