CHRISTIAN MOTHERHOOD: The REAL Conversation | Honest conversations about faith, family, & marriage, Christian Women Podcast, Christian Wife, Biblical Parenting

Surviving Christmas Without Losing Your Joy (or Your Marriage) 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 3 key takeaways 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. We want to hear from you (completely anonymous) 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 Join the conversation 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 – [email protected]

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) 3 key takeaways 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? 💥 We want to hear from you (completely anonymous) 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 Join the conversation 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 – [email protected]

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. Key Takeaways 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. 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. 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. Join the Conversation 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. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – [email protected] Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

Hormones flaring, Christmas coming, and everyone’s one comment away from tears? Elyse and Michelle get honest about PMS, perimenopause, stress, sleep, and why the holiday season can tip even the most “chill” mum over the edge. From farmer’s market cry sessions to the mental load nobody sees, they unpack what’s hormones, what’s attitude, and what’s actually an invitation from God to slow down and pay attention. Key Takeaways Hormones matter—but they’re not the whole story. PMS and perimenopause are real, but so is the fruit of the Spirit. The tension between the two? That’s where growth happens. Stress hides in plain sight. Christmas planning, finances, family tension, toxic products, relational strain, and the constant “mum mental load” all spike cortisol and impact sleep, mood, and hormone balance. You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. Bloodwork, naturopathic support, removing synthetic fragrance, better sleep, real nutrition, and talking to a safe friend can all bring clarity and peace in hormone-heavy seasons. Join the Conversation Subscribe for more unfiltered stories and faith-filled encouragement in every messy season of motherhood. Share this episode with a mum friend who’s wondering why she’s suddenly crying, snapping, or not sleeping—especially heading into the holidays. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – [email protected] Unfiltered stories. Unapologetic faith. Real motherhood.

What if gratitude isn’t fluffy Pinterest quotes but actual warfare against overwhelm, bitterness, and resentment in your home? In this episode, Elyse and Michelle talk about choosing gratitude in the real chaos of marriage, motherhood, laundry piles, and holiday pressure. From Thanksgiving reflections to PTSD recovery, negative-thinking ruts, and husbands who “miss” the sink, they unpack how simple gratitude habits can rewire your brain, soften your heart, and shift the atmosphere in your home—without pretending everything is fine when it’s not. Key Takeaways Gratitude is not toxic positivity; it’s a biblical, practical weapon against bitterness, anxiety, and constant negativity. Simple practices (like three things you’re thankful for about your husband or kids) can reframe your day and your marriage. How shifting from “have to” to “get to” in chores and motherhood changes your posture toward your home and your people. Join the Conversation Love this episode? Follow the show and leave a quick review—your words help more mums find unfiltered stories, unapologetic faith, and real motherhood. Share your own “gratitude in the chaos” moment—tag us in your stories or send us an email so we can cheer you on. Connect with Us Elyse – @wholesomemumma Michelle – @itsmemichellecastro Email – [email protected]