Life Kit: Parenting · NPR

The key to a less frantic holiday season

December 1, 2025·23 min·2 clips
Nero realized she was missing her kids' magical Christmas morning because she was too exhausted from holiday preparations.
This episode of Life Kit features licensed clinical social worker Nero Feliciano discussing how to reduce holiday stress by focusing on connection over perfection, setting realistic expectations, and using practical techniques to manage anxiety. She shares personal stories and research-backed advice to help listeners enjoy the season more mindfully.

As heard by us

A holiday reset for people trying to stop living on autopilot.

This Life Kit holiday episode looks at the small rituals that can make December feel like work, from automatic errands to the pressure that every task has to get done.

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Why you'd press play

For when your holiday list starts acting like a second job.

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