In this episode, Catie and Danielle discuss the chaos of the holiday season, the pressures of maintaining traditions, and the importance of being present with their children. They share personal anecdotes about holiday preparations, the challenges of parenting during this busy time, and the joy of creating lasting memories. The conversation also touches on the significance of experiences over material gifts and the emotional journey of navigating childhood beliefs in Santa and holiday magic.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Chaos and the Magic Maker

02:54 Balancing Responsibilities and Presence

05:42 The Pressure of Holiday Traditions

08:33 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

11:28 Creating Lasting Memories

14:30 The Role of the Elf on the Shelf

17:21 Navigating the Transition of Childhood Magic

20:15 The Magic of Childhood and Holiday Traditions

23:14 Experiencing Santa: The Joys and Challenges

26:07 Gift Giving: Balancing Expectations and Reality

29:37 Mom's Wish List: Experiences Over Things

35:01 Pop Culture and Holiday Cheer

In this week’s episode of From 9 to Mom, we dive deep into the emotional side of motherhood, identity, and the quiet pressure we all feel when we start comparing ourselves to others. We kick things off with a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story from a listener whose AI notetaker accidentally recorded their entire bedtime routine—and then sent them a full recap with recommendations. Yes… even the robots have thoughts about your parenting now.

From there, we unpack our own “Dr. Becky–inspired” parenting styles, how we try (and fail) to stay regulated, and why gentle parenting sometimes meets “real-life mom chaos.”

Most importantly, we get honest about comparison culture—how easy it is to compare yourself to the “perfect mom,” the “perfect partner,” or the version of yourself you think you should be. We talk about what comparison quietly steals from us, how it fuels shame and burnout, and how to get grounded again when that spiral starts.

If you’re a working mom trying to juggle careers, kids, expectations, and that never-ending bedtime routine, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air (and maybe a free therapy session).

It’s that chaotic, candy-fueled week where moms everywhere are running on caffeine and costume glue. In this episode, we’re talking all things Halloween — from the madness of Red Ribbon Week (seriously, who makes up these random dress-up days?!) to kids who can’t decide if they want to be Spider-Man, a witch, or a hot dog.

We debate when to step in and just pick the costume already, share our trick-or-treating traditions (and Danielle’s big change this year — attending a wedding instead of making the candy rounds!), and, of course, gush over our kids’ obsession with all things spooky.

It’s a little scary, a little sleepy, and a whole lot of mom life chaos. 💀🍬