Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

What if the Christmas your kids remember most isn’t about what’s under the tree — but how it felt to be together? In this episode, we unpack the four gifts children truly need at Christmas — the ones you can’t buy, wrap, or return — and how letting go of perfection might be the very thing that brings more joy, calm, and connection into your home this season. KEY POINTS Why chasing the “perfect” Christmas often leaves parents exhausted and grumpy How peace doesn’t mean quiet — it means letting go of pressure Why kids crave presence more than presents How playfulness creates connection without deep talks or big emotions The role of purpose in giving Christmas meaning beyond consumerism Why imperfection might be the secret to a more memorable day QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Perfection isn’t what makes Christmas magical. Peace, presence, playfulness, and purpose do.” RESOURCES Born This Happy Morning Luke Chapter 2 & Matthew (The Christmas story) Take Back Christmas [Article] 10 Easy Traditions That Can Make Christmas Meaningful For Your Family [Article] ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Release one expectation that’s creating stress this Christmas Put your phone away for a block of uninterrupted family time Plan one playful activity just for fun (games, jokes, silliness encouraged) Talk as a family about what Christmas means to you — beyond gifts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas is meant to be joyful… so why does it leave so many parents anxious, exhausted, and overwhelmed?In this episode, Justin sits down with Rebecca Dredge (CEO of the Kiddo App) to unpack why school holidays spike parental stress — and what actually helps families survive the juggle of work, money, childcare, and endless commitments without burning out. This is a permission-giving conversation every tired parent needs before Christmas arrives. KEY POINTS Why over a third of parents feel anxious about school holidays The hidden pressure of “making Christmas magical” How saying no can protect your family (and your sanity) Why over-planning everything backfires — and what to plan instead Practical ways to get support without guilt or overwhelm QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “It’s okay to say no. Your fridge doesn’t need every invitation on it.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kiddo App – On-demand babysitting and care support for families Happy Families resources at happyfamilies.com.au ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Circle the non-negotiables that matter most to your family Say no to at least one invitation this week Plan a few meaningful moments — not every moment Line up support before you’re desperate for it Aim to “glide into Christmas,” not collapse into it See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling the Christmas squeeze? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to drown in stress or debt to give your kids a magical holiday. In this episode, Justin and Kylie share six practical, heartfelt strategies real families use to make Christmas meaningful without blowing the budget. From essential-only Santa sacks to Secret Santa hacks, secondhand gems, and the power of one great gift, this episode is your permission to simplify and still make it special. KEY POINTS The “Four Gifts of Christmas” method that instantly reduces overwhelm How to fill Santa sacks with essentials (and why kids don’t mind!) The #1 mindset shift for sticking to a realistic budget What to do when your extended family list hits 40+ people Secondhand gifts, handmade gifts, and why they often mean more Why one high-quality gift beats a pile of cheap ones The surprising research on vouchers and experiences QUOTE OF THE EPISODE “Giving looks different in different situations—but it can always be meaningful.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree for secondhand gift finds Secret Santa / Kris Kringle group gifting Marketplace categories for bikes, Pokémon cards & kids’ items ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Set a real budget (cash only, no credit card creep). Choose your gift-giving circle—kids, parents, or Secret Santa only. Use the Four Gifts framework: want, need, wear, read. Add essentials to stockings to lighten January expenses. Try secondhand or handmade for big-ticket or meaningful items. Pick one great quality gift instead of many small ones. Consider experiences or vouchers when you’re unsure what to buy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this emergency episode, Justin responds to the Bondi terror attacks, offering advice on how to talk to our children, as well as how Jewish families can discuss this with their children. For more up to the minute resources visit the Happy Families Facebook Page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christmas chaos creeping in? This episode dives into the magic of festive films—and how they can buy you a precious pocket of peace. Justin and Kylie share their top kid-friendly Christmas movies (and a few grown-up gems), the surprising stories behind them, and why the right film at the right moment can reset the whole family. Perfect for parents who want joy, calm, nostalgia…and maybe a chance to wrap presents without being ambushed. KEY POINTS Why Christmas feels like a tug-of-war between calm and chaos—and how movies can soften the edges. Top kid-friendly Christmas films that uplift, entertain, and keep kids happily occupied. The unexpected origins and charm behind Klaus, Arthur Christmas, and more. Classics that still land for teens (Home Alone, The Santa Clause). Honourable mentions for grown-ups—yes, even the ones Justin hasn’t watched yet. A gentle reminder to pause and reconnect with the meaning of Christmas, whatever your family’s traditions. QUOTE OF THE EPISODE "When your kids are in your arms, they can’t possibly be underfoot." RESOURCES MENTIONED Happy Families Christmas webinars: Tis the Season to be Cranky and How to Unspoil your Kids this Christmas Christmas movie recommendations: Klaus, Arthur Christmas, Elf, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Christmas Chronicles, faith-based nativity films. ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS Choose one new Christmas movie to watch together this week—something uplifting and connection-building. Pick a “parent break” movie (a solid, guilt-free screen-time choice) to occupy the kids while you wrap, prep, or recharge. Consider a short nativity or values-focused film to spark meaningful family conversations. Keep your movie list saved for the entire month to avoid decision overwhelm on busy days. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.