Inside This Episode

• Why Holidays Hit Carers Hard
  Michelle names the invisible load of caregiving at Christmas: amplified expectations, extra logistics (medications, sensory needs, equipment, transport), resurfacing family dynamics and grief for “how it used to be”. If you feel overwhelmed, numb, guilty or quietly resentful, you’re not failing – you’re human inside unrealistic expectations.
• The P‑E‑A‑C‑E Holiday Framework
  A simple planning compass you can use even if you’re exhausted:
  • P – Prioritise: If you could only keep 1–2 traditions this year, what would they be? Write down your top two non‑negotiables. Everything else becomes optional.
  • E – Edit: Gently shrink or simplify – shorter visits, store‑bought sides, moving lunch to suit meds, swapping travel for video calls. Ask: What would this look like at 50% effort?
  • A – Ask: Invite help with specific, time‑bound requests (e.g. “Could you bring dessert?” “Could you handle all the gift wrapping this year?”).
  • C – Create: Design 1–3 tiny moments of meaning – a candle and one gratitude, one favourite song, 10 quiet minutes outside.
  • E – Exhale: Plan decompression time after the day – 15 minutes alone, a slower morning, a simple ready‑to‑heat meal.
• Boundaries with Kindness – Talking to Family & Friends
  You’ll hear gentle wording you can adapt to:
  • Say “We’re doing a smaller Christmas this year”
  • Decline invitations without over‑explaining
  • Turn “Let me know if you need anything” into specific help
  • Respond to “You worry too much, just relax” without a fight
  • Ask people to text before dropping in
• Peace & Presence Rituals for the Day Itself
  Three tiny practices that fit into real life:
  • Three‑Breath Intention – a 90‑second reset plus a simple intention like “Today I choose enough, not perfect.”
  • 10‑Minute Sanctuary – a brief pocket of stillness to ask “What do I need right now?” and honour one tiny need.
  • One True Thing Reflection – at the end of the day, naming one hard thing, one moment of light and one thing you’re proud of. No toxic positivity, just a truer picture.
• For Caregivers in Hospital or Crisis
  Tender guidance if your “holiday” involves monitors, plastic chairs, grief or acute crisis: micro bedside rituals, permission to drop traditions, and one small reach for connection so you’re not holding the day completely alone.

Your Mini Plan for the Week

1. Use P‑E‑A‑C‑E to choose what really matters and gently edit expectations.

2. Pick one boundary phrase or specific request

3. Choose one ritual

If this episode gives you even one idea or a moment of comfort, please share it with another carer who might be quietly dreading the holidays.

From all of us at Radiant Moments: you are doing enough, and you are enough.

Caregiver Resources:
Show notes & holiday support: https://jandbinspired.com/radiant-moments-podcast
- 90 Second Reset Program: https://jandbinspired.com/90-second-reset-program
- Oasis Membership Waitlist: https://jandbinspired.com/founding-member
- Radiant Moments Gratitude Journal of Light: https://jandbinspired.com/radiant-moments-gratitude-journal-of-light

Music by Konstantin Garbuzyuk (via Uppbeat)

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