Stockings are such a given that most of us never stop to think about whether they're actually working for us. We just keep doing what we've always done—until the stress piles up or disappointment creeps in.

In this episode, we're walking you through six key areas to consider when it comes to stockings—from clarifying your "why" to setting boundaries around cost and expectations. We're also tackling something that doesn't get talked about nearly enough: what to do when everyone else's stocking is overflowing… and yours is empty.

Whether you're trying to simplify your holiday prep, get everyone on the same page, or just make sure you feel included and cared for this season, this conversation will help you approach stockings with intention instead of stress.

Highlights from the episode:

[00:01:12] - Tradition Spotlight on kazoo caroling

[00:04:04] - Step 1: What matters about stockings?

[00:05:05] - Step 2: Who’s included?

[00:05:57] - Step 3: Style & setting

[00:08:28] - Step 4: What’s the stocking budget?

[00:10:52] - Step 5: Stocking timing and traditions

[00:11:43] - Step 6: Managing stocking disappointment

[00:16:59] - This week’s Get A Headstart Tip for ordering PJs

[00:19:38] - What’s on our to-do lists this week

[00:22:33] - Our Nice Lists

Resources:

List any resources mentioned in the episode first, and then the evergreen links below them.

• Grab The Holiday Headstart Playbook
• Take the Holiday Profile quiz
• Follow on Instagram @theholidayheadstart
• Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love these too:

• Episode 11 - Creating New Holiday Traditions
• Episode 12 - Managing Your Holiday To-Dos

More About The Holiday Headstart:

Welcome to The Holiday Headstart podcast, where we get intentional about kicking overwhelm to the curb and bringing joy back to your holidays (and every day). We’re Heidi and Emily, two sisters and former elementary school teachers, who’ve taken the simple strategies and practical tips we mastered in the classroom and put them to work in our personal lives.

And we’re here to help you do the same! Join us each week as we share how, with a little planning and a little prep, you can ensure that the days that make life special don’t become the days that make you stressed.