This week on Make It with Mike and Kristen, we’re easing into the holidays the way we know best: with stories, laughter, food, and a reminder that there’s no one “right” way to celebrate this season.

We chat about our own holiday traditions (and how they’ve changed over time), visits with friends and family, and a very local hockey game where—let’s be honest—the fights were half the reason the crowd showed up. We also talk about cooking a full-on Indian food feast, because sometimes the most meaningful traditions are the ones you make up as you go.

And of course, we celebrate a very important date in our household: Mike’s Christmas Eve birthday. You’re all invited to join us—at least in spirit—for an oval skate to mark the occasion.

This episode is a gentle reminder that Christmas can look wildly different for everyone. Big gatherings, quiet moments, chosen family, solo rituals, cultural traditions, or opting out altogether—it’s all valid. We hope this conversation encourages you to celebrate in the ways that actually work for you, not the ways you think you’re supposed to.

Make it cozy. Make it yours. And as always—thanks for making it with us.

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Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com