24. A CHRISTMAS CAROL: The ghosts of Alcohol, Food and Family Drama

Christmas as an adult hits different. The magic is still there, but so is the stress, the spending, the family negotiations, and that nagging voice asking, "Did I do enough this year?" In this episode of Trial & Error & Error, we're unwrapping the complicated reality of Christmas in adulthood. From the financial pressure of gift-giving to navigating family traditions across cultures and relationships, we're getting real about what makes the holidays both wonderful and overwhelming. We discuss: ✨ How Christmas changes when you become the one organizing it 💸 The biggest holiday stressors (spoiler: money and expectations top the list) 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Juggling partner families and building your own traditions 🍷 Food, drink, and letting go of holiday guilt 📆 The end-of-year review spiral and how to survive it Whether you're dreading December or desperately trying to keep the festive spirit alive, this episode is your survival guide to enjoying the holidays without losing your mind — or your bank account. Tune in for honest conversations, practical tips, and a reminder that you're not alone in finding Christmas both magical and exhausting. 🎧 New episodes drop every Wednesday. Follow us on Instagram (@tee.podcast) and share your holiday survival stories — we want to hear from you! Articles & Studies: American Psychological Association (2023) - Holiday Stress Survey: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2023/holiday-stress Additional Resources: Tips for managing holiday stress and maintaining healthy eating habits during the festive season Strategies for budgeting and financial planning during Christmas Mindfulness and self-care practices for the holiday period