025 - The Intentional Holiday: Communication, Consistency, and Conquering Holiday Overload (a discussion with Jeff & Cathy Gratzmiller)

<p>In this episode, Rich and Julie Young sit down with Jeff and Cathy Gratzmiller to unpack what it really takes to create an intentional, peaceful, and connected holiday season—no matter your family’s stage or structure.</p><p>Together, they dive into the real-life challenges that surface when routines get disrupted and expectations run high. You’ll hear practical principles that work whether your kids attend school or you homeschool, insights on how age and family context change the way you approach the holidays, and encouragement for managing expectations <em>and</em> the inevitable disruptions that come with them.</p><p>If you’re looking to simplify your holiday rhythm, strengthen communication, and build traditions that actually bring joy—not overwhelm—this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence you need.</p><p>Press play and step into your most intentional holiday yet. 🎄✨</p><p><br></p><p>Rich &amp; Julie Young, hosts</p><p>Jeff &amp; Cathy Gratzmiller, Growing Families leaders</p><p><br></p><p>Resources Mentioned in the Episode:</p><p>→ <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BDHOwiCT9oCRsDYgNSu2H?si=49655cfea72441ec" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠</a>Episode 2: A matter of life and death. (Speaking Life) // <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BDHOwiCT9oCRsDYgNSu2H?si=49655cfea72441ec" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a> // <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-parenting-podcast/id1774999134?i=1000675566311" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Apple</a> // <a href="https://youtu.be/Sate5g6jOVI⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></p><p><br></p><p>→ <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/5BDHOwiCT9oCRsDYgNSu2H?si=49655cfea72441ec" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠⁠</a>Episode 3: What’s in your atmosphere? (The Life Giving Home Environment) <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/24YZDaSpfaIndHS08nBLPi?si=679b25eb053c4257" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a> // <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-parenting-podcast/id1774999134?i=1000677278475" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Apple</a> // <a href="https://youtu.be/CoCfHp3LGV4⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></p><p><br></p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamilies.life/parenting-from-the-tree-of-life⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Parenting from the Tree of Life</a></p><p><br>—--------------------------------------------------</p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamilies.life/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Growing Families Website</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamilies.life/find-a-class" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Register for a Class</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamilies.life/parenting-courses⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Our Courses</a></p><p><br></p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamilies.life/bookshop⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The U.S. Bookstore</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://aushop.growingfamilies.life/⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Australia &amp; NZ Bookstore</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://growingfamiliessg.life/store/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Asia Pacific Bookstore</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://www.lojadafamilia.org.br/⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">The Brazil Bookstore</a></p><p><br></p><p>→ <a href="https://contactmom.life/⁠" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Contact Mom Ministry</a></p><p><br></p><p>→ <a href="https://www.instagram.com/growingfamilieslife" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GrowingFamiliesLife" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a></p><p>→ <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GrowingFamiliesLife" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">YouTube</a></p><p> <br>Email questions or to