Today we’re talking about something almost every new parent experiences during the holidays, but few couples actually prepare for: Mixed emotions.

Because December isn’t just joy and magic.
It’s overstimulation, nostalgia, grief, pressure, expectations, family dynamics, exhaustion, and the ache of wanting the holidays to feel a certain way… while navigating a very tender season of parenthood.

And partners don’t always feel the same way at the same time.

In this episode, we unpack:
• Why mixed emotions are normal (and expected) in early parenthood• How emotional load is just as real as logistical load• What happens when couples don’t talk about what they’re feeling• How to avoid “emotion mismatch resentment”• The “Name + Ask” Method for emotional clarity• What emotional support looks like in real, practical ways• How to honor both partners’ internal experiences — even when they’re different

This is one of the most human, heartfelt conversations of the series, and it’s designed to help couples feel safer, softer, and more connected during a season that often feels emotionally overwhelming.

👉 Download the free Holiday Mental Load Breakthrough
Use the emotional labor prompts, boundary-setting questions, holiday expectations mapping, and weekly planning sheets to support these conversations:
https://www.postpartumtogether.com/mental-load-braindump-holiday

Mixed emotions aren’t the problem.
Silence is.
You deserve emotional support this season and so does your partner.