Merry Christmas!! Pull up a chair, pour some hot cocoa, and let’s celebrate together. This Christmas episode is all about the real, messy, and hilarious side of the holidays. It may be 70 degrees here in Texas, but we’re doing everything we can to feel the Christmas spirit, including a rant session!

We share our annual traditions, from last-minute gift wrapping to reminiscing about family trips to Vegas and the magical displays at the Bellagio. There’s a lot of laughter as we swap stories about family, nostalgia, and the quirks that make this season so memorable.

We talk about the awkwardness of receiving gifts from people who clearly don’t know (or like) us, and the pitfalls of gifting food and booze. At the end of the day, it’s so important that you show you actually know and love the person you’re gifting for, even if it’s a last minute thing!

We also dive into the world of Christmas cards and newsletters. I admit I’m not a fan of photo cards from acquaintances, and we both poke fun at the tradition of sending out annual newsletters that feel more like bragging than genuine connection. Holiday shopping gets its own rant, too. I vent about the chaos of parking lots, rude shoppers, and the stress of last-minute store runs. We share our retail horror stories and remind everyone to be kind to staff during the busiest time of year.

Despite all the rants, there’s so much we truly love about Christmas: the traditions, the lights, the time spent with family, and the joy of giving thoughtful gifts. At the end of the day, it’s about gratitude, togetherness, and making memories, no matter how imperfect.

in today's episode, we're chatting about:

• It’s beginning to look a lot like a 70 Degrees Christmas!
• The art of giving (and receiving) thoughtful gifts
• Our take on Christmas cards and those infamous family newsletters
• Surviving holiday shopping and retail chaos
• The traditions and little moments that make Christmas special

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Have you ever realized in a split second that you’re the only one standing between your child and a lifetime of people-pleasing? That’s exactly what hit Irene during a seemingly simple family outing, when her daughter just wanted to ride alone at a holiday light display but another parent’s decision put her in an uncomfortable spot.

So this week, we’re reflecting on the boundaries that are needed to stand up to false expectations. Whether we’re talking about allowing a child to say no or navigating misogynistic conditions in the workforce, the ability to speak up for yourself is imperative.

For many of us, there was still an unspoken pressure to accept advice and never push back. It’s funny how those mixed messages can stick with you, and how they show up later in work, relationships, and even the way you parent. I’m realizing more and more how those early lessons can make it hard to trust your own decisions, especially when you’re used to second-guessing yourself.

We get real about leadership, criticism, and the moving goalposts that can make us feel like we’re never quite enough. I talk about my journey through different careers and leadership roles, and how I’ve learned to recognize when someone else’s expectations are boxing me in. It’s not easy to break out of those patterns, but we’re both learning to trust our own instincts and not let constant nitpicking shake our confidence.

Letting go of perfection has been a big theme for us lately. The gift I’m giving myself this year for my birthday (today, BTW), is relaxed standards. Irene has stopped worrying so much about what others think, and started dressing and living in a way that feels good to her. I’ve stopped bowing to people who want me to feel like I’m not good at my job (spoiler alert: I AM). There’s a real freedom in realizing you don’t have to follow someone else’s playbook, whether it’s about your career, your style, or how you celebrate the holidays.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Letting your child say no
• Empowering women to push back
• What pushing back on expectations looks like as a leader
• What expectations we’re letting go of to have a lighter new year

Okay, real talk! Have you ever found yourself in the middle of the holiday chaos, wondering if you’re the only one who’s still figuring out what really matters (besides snowman cookies and the best Christmas movies)? You’re not alone, friend. This episode is basically us, cozied up with coffee, getting honest about the wild ride that is friendship, boundaries, and self-worth, especially when the holidays bring all the feelings.

We kick things off with some birthday month excitement (Vegas or Disneyland, anyone?), a rundown of our must-watch holiday movies, and a few stories that’ll have you laughing (yes, including the infamous runaway horse at church). If you’re here for the festive vibes and a little nostalgia, you’re in the right place.

But then we get into the good stuff: what it really means to have core values and stick to them, even when it’s hard. We talk about the deal-breakers, the drama, and why sometimes you just have to close the door on people who don’t respect your boundaries. Sometimes you’re not being judgmental, you’re protecting your peace!

We also get super real about self-worth with a conversation about how easy it is to let someone else’s opinion mess with your head, and how important it is to remember who you are (and who you’re not). There are stories about manipulative friends, awkward dating app moments, and why it’s totally okay to say “nope” to anything that doesn’t feel right.

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• Why core values matter (and how to figure out yours)
• Setting boundaries and knowing your deal-breakers
• Holiday traditions, nostalgia, and a little chaos
• Standing up for your self-worth (even when it’s tough)
• Letting go of friendships that just aren’t it anymore

So grab your favorite holiday treat, settle in, and let’s get into it. We’re here for the laughs, the real talk, and maybe a little bit of therapy, bestie style!

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• Check out our website