It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and to lose touch with the reason for the season. Although the gift-giving possibilities are endless, the most cherished gift is often time spent with loved ones and friends. Memories last a lifetime; batteries wear out and Barbies go bald.

In this episode, with Christmas approaching, we discuss alternatives that don't break the bank yet give the gift of togetherness. Reminisce, look at photo albums, invite your family to bake cookies or decorate the tree. Plan a trip. Go caroling. Volunteer at a food bank. Shop for a needy family. The time spent together will be memories you share for a lifetime.

And when the planning and preparation is complete, remember to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He is the greatest gift of all.

Show notes:

So How Much Do Americans Spend on Christmas? www.safe1.org.

The internet is divided: Parents defend Christmas minimalism www.today.com.

Cool Christmas Gifts for Kids www.amazon.com.

Ten Best Gifts for Teenagers www.realsimple.com.

Over 100 holiday gift ideas for your college student www.collegeparentcentral.com.

40 Thoughtful Gifts for Couples, No Matter Where They Are in Their Relationship www.goodhousekeeping.com.

Gift for Seniors: 68 Great Ideas www.greatseniorliving.com.

31 Gifts You Should Never, Ever Give www.goodhousekeeping.com.

The holidays are often the perfect time to reflect and reminisce. When was the last time you thought about your childhood and the traditions your family celebrated? What about the memories you’ve made with your children and grandchildren? Although holidays can be stressful, they can also be the perfect time to draw near to each other with love and appreciation.

As we travel through the passages of time, it’s not unusual to reflect on memories of when the holidays were met with joy and anticipation. What made them so? Do you continue to practice those traditions? What new traditions would you like to share with your family?

Jesus said, “And a little child will lead them.” This year, may we cherish the time we spend with family and friends with the joy and awe of a child. Ask those gathered around the Thanksgiving table to express their gratitude. Go to Christmas Eve service. Read the Nativity Story. Look for the North Star. Love one another.

The holidays are meant to be a time of family and fellowship. When we remember the Reason for the Season, we may be motivated to pause, reflect, and cherish our time with family and friends. Or, we may feel anxious and exhausted. Both may be true.

When you see a commercial reminding us the holidays are upon us, do you celebrate or cringe? The holidays are often a dichotomy of feelings. We love family time (or not), we enjoy finding the perfect gift for our loved ones (or not), and we cherish every moment (or we can’t wait for the holidays to be over.)

Knowing when and how to set healthy boundaries may eliminate much of the stress and anxiety we experience during the holidays. The art of setting boundaries takes practice and diligence; the goal is to be clear and precise. As a wise woman once said, “I didn’t say it would be easy; I said it would be worth it.”

Show notes:

Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A guide to reclaiming yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab

Boundaries quiz: https://www.boundariesbooks.com/pages/quiz.

As we step into November, gratitude is at the heart of the season—but why does it matter so much? In this episode, we explore the science and significance of gratitude in transforming our mental health, relationships, and even our work lives.

Join us as we dive into research-based insights, including how gratitude can reduce anxiety, boost resilience, and strengthen connections with those around us. We’ll also share practical, simple ways to foster gratitude daily, even during challenging times. Whether you’re looking to start a new gratitude practice or deepen your existing one, this conversation offers fresh ideas and inspiration to bring more positivity and appreciation into your life. Tune in and discover how gratitude can be the gift that keeps on giving, long after November.

Show Notes:

Sources Mentioned in This Episode:

1.Harvard Health Publishing – Article on the benefits of gratitude and its impact on happiness and mental health.

•Harvard Health Publishing

2.Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley – Research on the role of gratitude in reducing negative emotions and enhancing resilience.

•Greater Good Science Center

3.American Psychological Association – Discussion on gratitude’s physical health benefits, including better sleep and reduced stress.

•American Psychological Association

4.National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Research on the physiological effects of gratitude, such as lower blood pressure and improved immune response.

•National Institutes of Health

5.University of California, Davis – Studies on gratitude’s effects on relationship satisfaction and social bonds.

•University of California, Davis

6.Psychology Today – Articles on gratitude’s impact on social connections and the balance between gratitude and authenticity.

•Psychology Today

7.Forbes – Insights on how gratitude can improve workplace dynamics, productivity, and job satisfaction.

•Forbes

8.Journal of Positive Psychology – Studies on gratitude in professional settings, including effects on stress and job satisfaction.

•Journal of Positive Psychology

9.The Gratitude Project by Greater Good Science Center – Practical exercises and gratitude practices for everyday life.

•The Gratitude Project

10.Mindful.org – Resources and mindfulness practices to incorporate gratitude in daily routines.

•Mindful.org

11.Mental Health Foundation (UK) – Insights into fostering “healthy gratitude” and avoiding toxic positivity.

The Bible tells us, “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings…” James 4:8. If there was ever a time when prayer and faith were needed, it’s now.

For the 73% of Americans who are experiencing election anxiety and stress, prayer can offer a sense of control and empowerment. Most of all, prayer can bring peace to our lives and the world.

We’ve heard that many churches are planning to open their doors on Nov. 5 to encourage prayer for our country. No music or ministering, just a place for people to pray and lay their worries down. If your place of worship hasn’t organized a similar opportunity, it might be worth suggesting.

We will be praying for you and our country in the days ahead. Please feel free to join us.

Show Notes:

Healthy ways to deal with election anxiety and political stress

https://www.treatmyocd.com

Volunteers of America

https://www.voa.org

To pray the prayer Robin highlights in the show, go to:

https://info.thecrossingchurch.com/blog/a-guide-to-praying-for-the-presidential-election

The meditation Denise guides us in at the end of the episode:

“If you’re feeling frightened about what comes next, don’t be. Embrace the uncertainty. Allow it to lead you places. Be brave as it challenges you to exercise both your heart and your mind as you create your own path toward happiness; don’t waste time with regret. Spin wildly into your next action. Enjoy the present, each moment, as it comes, because you’ll never get another one quite like it. And if you should ever look up and find yourself lost, simply take a breath and start over. Retrace your steps and go back to the purest place in your heart…where your hope lives. You’ll find your way again.” Alo Yoga

We live in a hurried world. The modern conveniences that are touted to "save time’" are keeping us busier than ever. We over-schedule, over-commit, and end each day exhausted and already focused on the demands of tomorrow.

Quite often, it is our relationships with God and our family that suffer the absence of our time and attention. Do you spend time each day praying, reading the Bible, journaling? Is family time devoted to spending time in communion with each other? Are we setting examples we hope our children will follow?

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry offers tangible suggestions for living an unhurried life. The book encourages us to spend more time focusing on love, joy, and peace, and less time in a frantic state of constant motion. If you are seeking a peace-filled life, listen up.

Show Notes:
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World

by John Mark Comer

Today’s episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the creative process or determined to turn their dreams into reality. We’re sitting down with Michelle Collins Anderson, author of The Flower Sisters, a captivating novel that’s been making waves since its release earlier this year.

In our conversation, Michelle opens up about the journey of turning a dream into reality—what it really takes to write this historical fiction novel, face rejection, and push through the challenges to see her dream come to life.

We also explore the inspiration behind The Flower Sisters—the intricate storytelling, the characters, and the heart that went into making this book something special. Whether you’re a fan of Michelle’s work or someone who needs that extra push to pursue your dreams, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Special Guest: Author Michelle Collins Anderson
Michelle Collins Anderson grew up in the Missouri Ozarks, a place and a way of life that have shaped her writing. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an MFA from Warren Wilson College. Her debut novel, The Flower Sisters, was an instant USA Today best-seller. Michelle’s short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and appeared in Nimrod International Journal, Literal Latté, Midwestern Gothic, Elder Mountain: A Journal of Ozarks Studies, bosque, Literary Mama and Storied Hills: An Anthology of Contemporary Ozark Fiction. She and her husband have three adult children and live in St. Louis with two sister cats and a border collie.

Follow Michelle at:
https://www.instagram.com/michelle_collins_anderson/

To purchase the book, go to: https://www.amazon.com/Flower-Sisters-Michelle-Collins-Anderson/dp/149674828X

We are excited to kick off season six of The Problem With Perfect with a very special episode featuring none other than the podcast's original cohost, Rachel Keller! Now a marketing expert and AI enthusiast, Rachel joins us as we dive deep into how AI is reshaping both our personal and professional lives. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore everything from AI’s role in combating the loneliness epidemic to how it can give you a competitive edge at work.

Whether you’re curious about AI or already embracing it, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge and inspire you.

Tune in and join us for an exciting start to season six and as always, thanks for listening.