In this week’s episode of This Middle Life, Holly reflects on the beautiful contradictions of December — the joy and the chaos, the magic and the mess. A plot twist with her dad pulls her into the heart of midlife caregiving, reminding her what really matters. Through stories of Christmas lights, imperfect timelines, and the quiet wisdom tucked into ordinary moments, she explores how small shifts in attention can soften an entire day.

This episode invites you to notice the magic already around you, to set down the pressure to keep up, and to pick up a little more peace as you move through this season.