[Holiday Voices] What I'm Doing Different This Year With Susan Santoro

This episode is part of Holiday Voices—a special Real Happy Mom podcast series filled with quick holiday tips, uplifting stories, and real-life traditions from moms who get it.

Whether you're a working mom trying to simplify the season, or just looking for ways to reduce holiday stress and be more present, these short episodes are packed with encouragement and ideas you can actually use.

Find all the episodes, links to guest freebies, and more at realhappymom.com/voices

Transcript

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You are tuned in to The Real Happy Mom podcast. I'm Toni-Ann, and this is Holiday Voices. This is a special series where moms share quick tips and meaningful moments to help you trade chaos for calm and make this season a little more like you. So let's jump into today's voice. Hi, I'm Susan from Organized 31, where I share simple, practical ways to make life easier and more organized. As a mother of three and a military wife, I know how crazy busy the holidays can be. Christmas and the holidays are meant to be joyful, but sometimes all the cooking, cleaning, and expectations can turn that joy into stress. This year, I'm doing one thing differently to help reduce stress. I'm not making a traditional Thanksgiving style feast. Instead, we're trying something new that I call holiday grazing. For years, I stressed myself out over creating the perfect holiday meal. You know, the one the Turkey time, just right five side dishes, finishing all at once. Rolls that refuse to rise and a sink full of dishes by noon. To be honest, a big reason why is that I thoroughly enjoy that meal, that I only get to eat twice a year at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But by the time I'd sit down to eat, I was tired, frazzled, and honestly a little grumpy. I spent more time worrying about everything, being ready at the same time, and cleaning up later. And enjoying my family's company, and that is not what I want the holidays to be about. Not at all. So this year I'm completely rethinking the holiday meal. I wanna focus on my family, not on a big meal. This year we're doing holiday grazing, and here's how it'll work. Instead of one big dinner, everyone in my family will choose a small dish or appetizer to make. It could be their favorite dip sliders mini quiche. Stuffed mushrooms, anything they like. We each prepare the dish that we choose, and we eat them throughout the day. Whenever the mood strikes us, it'll turn the day into a relaxed, fun rolling meal. No deadlines, no stress, and no one person, and that would be me stuck in the kitchen all day. What I love about the holiday grazing idea is how simple and freeing it is. First, there's less stress. Because no one is responsible for an entire feast. Second, there's more connection because everybody contributes something that they enjoy. Third, there's flexibility. If someone's running late or needs a nap, it doesn't derail the meal. Fourth, there's more fun. We get to actually relax. Chat and play games instead of watching the oven timer. Plus, it's a great way to include even younger children in the kitchen. They can handle simple recipes and feel proud of their contribution. And if someone's dish flops, it's no problem. We'll just move on to the next snack. No Turkey disasters here. So that's one thing I'm doing differently this year to reduce holiday stress. Letting go of the big picture, perfect meal and embracing holiday grazing. It's easy, relaxed, and it's helping me focus on what truly matters being together. I'm Susan from Organiz 31, wishing You a calm, connected, and clutter-free holiday season. That's it for this one. It is short, sweet, and straight from the heart. And if you're loving the series, make sure you follow the show or subscribe so that you don't miss what's coming next. I'll be back again tomorrow with another one of these holiday voices. Until then, take care and with thoughts of love.