This week, Krista and Samantha unpack the mental load of the holiday season — from Halloween hangovers and early gift planning to the nostalgia and chaos that make this time of year both magical and maddening.

They share personal updates on parenting through October (the unofficial hardest month for families), the joy and exhaustion of community events, and the ever-present pressure to create “whimsy” while holding everything else together. The conversation weaves between family traditions, marketing strategies, and the business of being human during the holidays — because running a household and a company in Q4 is no small feat.

Whether you’re deep in decor mode, hiding in your car before pickup, or rethinking how to make the holidays feel lighter this year, this episode is a reminder that the best kind of magic is the kind you don’t have to manufacture.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

🎃 October really is a tough month for parents — you’re not imagining it.

👯 Finding joy in community events can recharge your energy.

🎁 Gift-giving doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

💭 Nostalgia shapes how we approach the holidays as adults.

🏡 Sharing responsibilities keeps the season (and relationships) balanced.

💻 Marketing strategies should evolve with the season’s pace.

🌲 The pressure for “whimsy” can sometimes rob it of joy.

🎶 Creative hobbies like choir can reconnect you to yourself.

💞 Community involvement brings warmth to colder months.

🕯️ Authenticity always matters more than aesthetics.

💌 Follow along on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge

⭐️ If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s trying to make the holidays meaningful — not perfect.

And remember: the magic isn’t in the Pinterest board — it’s in the moment.