You love your baby. You love your partner.But the holidays hit, and suddenly you’re the one tracking gifts, outfits, nap schedules, travel plans, and everyone’s feelings… while your partner is getting praised for bringing one pie.

In this episode, Chelsea and Mike break down the mental load of the holidays for new parents—especially moms who are carrying the invisible work of making everything “magical” while feeling unseen, overextended, and resentful. You’ll hear real examples from couples they coach, why this season is so triggering, and concrete ways dads/partners can finally get off the sidelines and step into true teamwork.

You’ll also hear exactly how to use our holiday mental load template so you’re not just venting—you’re getting that invisible work out of your head, onto paper, and divided fairly.

• What the mental load / invisible load actually is for new moms in postpartum and early parenthood

• Why the holiday mental load explodes for new parents (texts from family, travel plans, gifts, outfits, schedules, emotional baggage)

• How patriarchy and old gender scripts still show up at the holidays—even with “good guys” who want to be involved

• Why new dads often want to help but don’t have a model and get stuck on the sidelines

• The difference between “helping with one sliver” of a task vs. taking full responsibility for an entire category (like groceries, gifts, or travel)

• The Holiday Huddle: a simple weekly check-in to talk about what’s coming up, what’s stressing you out, and what needs to come off your plate

• A “power phrase” for the season: talk before you’re tired—so you don’t wait until you’re fried to bring up hard conversations

• How to pick lanes and stick to them (no last-minute surprises, emotional grenades, or hour-before-the-gathering invitations)

• A practical “one thing that matters most” ritual so every family member gets one prioritized experience instead of trying to do everything

• Why presence matters more than performance: choosing emotional connection over Instagram-worthy perfection

• The “take shifts” strategy at family gatherings so each partner gets time to actually enjoy themselves and have adult conversation

Throughout the episode, Chelsea walks you through how to use the holiday mental load template as a conversation starter with your partner—so you can name what’s on your mind, divide responsibilities, and build a holiday rhythm that feels lighter and more connected.

• Free Holiday Mental Load Template / ChecklistGet your mental load out of your head and onto paper, so you two can actually divide responsibilities and plan your Holiday Huddle together.https://chelseaskaggs.kit.com/abd66c33ba👉 Book your Fewer Fights by Christmas Morning troubleshooting call.

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