We’re releasing this episode on Christmas Day, and it felt like the right time to bring this one back.This is a Greatest Hits re-release of Episode 20, originally recorded after our very first holiday season as empty nesters… when both kids came home from college and the house went from quiet to very full, very fast. It was the first time we experienced that swing back to shared meals, full schedules, late nights, and just being the four of us again.We talk through what surprised us, what we loved, and what we noticed about ourselves as parents and as a couple. The traditions that still mattered. The pressure we let go of. And the strange mix of activity and stillness that showed up when the nest filled back up… even temporarily.If you’re heading into a season where your kids come home and everything shifts again, this one might feel familiar.📘 Coming soon in early 2026… The Loud Quiet book Be the first to get sneak peeks, preorder bonuses, and launch-day news. Pre-orders open soon… join the list for early access: https://www.theloudquiet.com/p/book/👋 Share your holiday experiences or join the conversation in our community:https://www.facebook.com/groups/theloudquiet🎧 Find all episodes, podcast apps, and YouTube links here:https://www.theloudquiet.comCHAPTERS0:00 Christmas Day re-release intro1:20 First holidays as empty nesters4:15 When the house gets loud again7:30 Living life together, not scheduling it11:05 Holiday traditions that still matter14:40 Letting go of “perfect”18:05 Seeing your kids differently now22:15 New Year’s Eve, our way26:10 Quiet moments we didn’t expect30:45 What we want to remember

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