Are We Ruining the Holidays? Early Christmas, Overwhelm & Dad Life

Today’s episode starts with Travis’s favorite opener: “I was today years old when I found out…” From surprising discoveries to everyday dad revelations, both Travis and Robert share some fun (and slightly embarrassing) truths. But the real conversation? Why does the holiday season now start… in September? Travis brings a full list of complaints — Christmas ornaments the day after Halloween, holiday catalogs before fall even arrives, and Black Friday somehow turning into Black Friday month. Are we losing the magic of the holidays by pushing the season earlier every year? Robert and Travis dive into big questions: Is Christmas less special when we prep two months early? Has delayed gratification been replaced by instant dopamine hits? Has thoughtful gift-giving been reduced to Amazon carts and Pinterest lists? What behaviors are we modeling for our kids around holidays, waiting, and meaning? They explore the pros and cons of the extended holiday season, how convenience has changed family rituals, and what dads can do to bring connection, presence, and tradition back into the holidays. The episode wraps up with the simple, intentional practices Travis and Robert are trying in their own homes to rebuild the magic of the season — without the overwhelm. If you’ve ever felt like the holidays are starting too early and meaning less, this one’s for you. 🎁✨