In this honest and heartfelt episode, Tiffany and Jeanette dive deep into what the holidays really feel like when you’re a single mom, co-parent or newly empty-nester. From navigating custody schedules to battling loneliness, rewriting traditions, handling guilt and embracing new seasons of life, they’re breaking down the real challenges — with zero sugarcoating and lots of compassion.
Whether this is your first holiday without your kids or one of many, this conversation gives you practical tips, mindset shifts and emotional tools to help you create joy, peace and meaningful memories on your own terms.
What We Talk About
The emotional rollercoaster of holiday custody schedules
Why kids adjust way better than parents think
Avoiding guilt, comparison and pressure during the season
The fear of kids “forgetting” old traditions and what actually matters
How to avoid interrogating kids after switching homes
Giving your kids permission to enjoy time with the other parent
Loneliness during the holidays and how to cope in healthier ways
Rewriting your holiday traditions as a single parent
Creating a life outside motherhood so kids don’t feel responsible for your happiness
How flexibility and healthy communication make co-parenting smoother
Why it’s okay if your holiday looks non-traditional
Travel, solo rituals, Friendsgiving, volunteering and more creative ideas
A powerful reframe for empty-nesters during the holiday season
00:00 – Welcome to A Holistic Dose
00:38 – Why Holidays Hit Single Moms & Co-Parents Hard
02:10 – Sharing Holidays: Letting Go of Old Expectations
04:00 – Divorce, Identity Shifts & New Norms
05:44 – How Kids Really Feel About Split Holidays
07:35 – Healthy Communication: No Guilt, No Interrogation
09:23 – Fear of Losing Traditions & What Truly Matters
10:55 – Loneliness During the Holidays & Early-Year Struggles
12:46 – Tiffany’s Solo Rituals & Reframing the Season
14:54 – Flexible vs. Strict Co-Parenting Schedules
16:25 – Mindset, Boundaries & Not Letting Others Bring You Down
18:13 – You Can’t Control Both Homes — And That’s Okay
19:39 – Quiet Weeks, Chaos Weeks & Traveling Kid-Free
21:16 – Finding Community: Friendsgiving, Support Groups & More
22:42 – Kids Growing Up: Accepting New Seasons of Life
24:29 – Handling Family Pressure & Protecting Your Peace
26:02 – Building a Full Life Outside of Motherhood
27:52 – Empty-Nester Mindset: Your Worth Doesn’t Change
29:38 – Visiting Kids Instead of Expecting Them Home
31:12 – Don’t Compare Your Holiday to Theirs
32:40 – What Kids Remember Most: Not the Gifts
34:06 – Creating Fun, Memorable Traditions Your Way
36:35 – Easy Holiday Activities: Cookies, Ornaments & PJ Photos
37:24 – Final Takeaways: Rewriting Your Own Holiday Story
38:00 – Follow Us & Closing Notes
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