261: I See You, Santa: The Unsung Holiday Hero (Share With A Holiday Stressed Mom)

In this heartfelt podcast, a mom (Melissa Llarena your host and mom of three) shares the raw, beautiful reality of holiday preparation. From a hilarious Target shopping adventure with her three sons to a powerful love letter recognizing the invisible labor of mothers during the holiday season, this episode is a must-listen for every mom navigating the magic and chaos of Christmas.

Key Highlights:

• A unique approach to gift-giving after revealing the truth about Santa
• Comedic tale of shopping with three sons and avoiding potential "holiday shoplifting"
• Intimate look at the emotional and logistical challenges of motherhood during the holidays

What You'll Hear:

• The story behind teaching kids about thoughtful gift-giving
• A moving tribute to moms who create Christmas magic
• Raw, honest moments of holiday preparation and emotional complexity

Memorable Quotes:

• "Jail time for the holidays is not on my Santa wish list"
• "We can all use some encouragement"
• "Dear Santa, you are the magic during Christmas"

Call to Action: Share this episode with a mom who needs to feel seen and appreciated this holiday season.

🚨This episode is brought to you by Fertile Imagination: A Guide for Stretching Every Mom’s Superpower for Maximum Impact

This holiday season purchase a copy or two of Fertile Imagination, email me a picture of your copy of Fertile Imagination (under the tree by the candles) using this email address melissa [at ]melissallarena.com , and then on Christmas day I hope to share these images across my social media. Let’s support the moms we are and love this holiday season!
Shop Fertile Imagination for the holidays! – https://bit.ly/fertilebook

About Fertile Imagination
You can be a great mom without giving up, shrinking, or hiding your dreams. There’s flexibility in how you pursue anything – your role, your lifestyle, and your personal and professional goals. The limitations on your dreams are waiting to be shattered. It’s time to see and seize what’s beyond your gaze. Let’s bridge your childhood daydreams with your grown-up realities. Imagine skipping with your kids along any path – you, surpassing your milestones while your kids are reaching theirs. There’s only one superpower versatile enough to stretch your thinking beyond what’s been done before: a Fertile Imagination. It’s like kryptonite for impostor syndrome and feeling stuck when it’s alert!

In Fertile Imagination, you will awaken your sleeping source of creative solutions. If you can wake up a toddler or a groggy middle schooler, then together with the stories in this book – featuring 25 guests from my podcast Unimaginable Wellness, proven tools, and personal anecdotes – we will wake up your former playmate: your imagination!

Advance Praise

“You’ll find reality-based strategies for imagining your own imperfect, fulfilling life in this book!” —MARTHA HENNESSEY, former NH State Senator
“Melis