Show notes are something a little different today. Almost as I write, both Sarabeth and Anne are decorating their Christmas trees with their families, holiday songs playing, and delicious smells wafting from their respective kitchens. Despite this picturesque scene, played out over both homes on a foggy Sunday morning, holiday magic doesn’t just “happen” — it doesn’t just “magic” itself.

This morning shows up for us today because a) our privileges. We are so very aware of the many privileges we walk through the world benefiting from, and how many people cannot and will not have a cozy Sunday morning like this. And b) we prioritized it. We’re not listening to our episode to prepare genuine show notes today (if we promised some links, I’m sure we’ll catch it on Monday and link in socials). The kitchen is a mess. The laundry isn’t done. Other parts of the house are a disaster. There may or may not still be a poorly patched, limb-sized hole in one bedroom ceiling and some years-old splatter paint courtesy of a smoothie-curious toddler (now FOUR) across another ceiling, just above those cozy little families making this morning a magical one.

It’s never going to be perfect. For some, reaching for magical moments is far easier than for others. As we wrap Season 2 — in the midst of the chaotic, stressful, magical, grief-inducing steam train of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas — let’s lean in on a recurring theme we dove into this season: release the shame. Release the moral hierarchy. Release the perfect pictures we hold in our minds, the old versions of ourselves and those we love, and lean into being present. Even in our grief. Even in the overstimulated chaos. Even as we knowingly dive into a much-needed moment of escapism on our phones, books, or TV screens. Give yourself grace — and know that we are giving it too.

Season 3 coming in 2026. Until then, know that these mamas are doing their best to soak up whatever magical moments we can between the mess, the tears, and the stark realities that our world demands we acknowledge.

Love to you all this holiday season — and grace and care to you in each and every life season.

Love, Anne & Sarabeth
The Mamas

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

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