Holiday Hotline: Santa, Parenting Guilt, and Christmas Advice

Summary

De-Influenced with Dani + Jordan

Episode: Holiday Hotline: Santa, Parenting Guilt, and Christmas Advice
Date: December 18, 2025
Network: Dear Media

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Episode Overview

This episode, "Holiday Hotline: Santa, Parenting Guilt, and Christmas Advice," features hosts Dani and Jordan diving into the chaotic and emotional whirlwind of parenting and holiday season pressures, from dressing kids for family events to negotiating Santa belief and managing family traditions. The duo candidly explores themes of parental guilt, household mental load, navigating extended family dynamics, and keeping Christmas centered on what matters most (family, faith, and a little bit of humor). True to their "de-influencing" ethos, they take listeners behind the scenes of real-life stress, self-doubt, and the sometimes absurd expectations of modern parenthood—especially during the holidays.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Marriage Fights, Parenting Stress, and Life with Four Kids (00:00–12:44)

• Post-Fight Reflection: The episode opens with a humorous debrief about a marital spat from their last episode, with Dani expressing surprise that listeners took her side.
  • “People were saying 95 of the time I agree with Jordan, but I’m with Dani on this one, so I’m losing my grip.” (00:37, Dani)
• Parenting Logistics: They share the reality of traveling with four young children, including how child age gaps make everything more challenging (03:04–03:49).
• “Mental Load” Reality Checks: Dani talks through the never-ending logistics, like packing for trips with different weather, events, and kids at different life stages—highlighting how often mothers bear this invisible burden.
  • “It’s just a million tabs open in my brain...” (29:29, Dani)

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2. “Mom Guilt” & Pressure of the Holidays (12:45–31:39)

• Matching Outfits & Pressure: Dani confesses her anxiety about getting the kids to look coordinated at a family wedding and holiday events:
  • “If I don’t get a picture of all of them in coordinating outfits, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. This is just what goes through my head every day.” (08:18, Dani)
• Packing & Scheduling Stress: Dani outlines, with comedic exasperation, the layers of holiday logistics—multiple trips, school tours, movie premieres, unpredictable weather, and growing kids out of their clothes.
• Discrepancy in Spousal Priorities: Jordan jokes about not understanding the fuss, emphasizing the difference between male and female perspectives on planning and appearance.
  • “Like, I know I’ll survive this. If our kids are not in matching outfits, it’s okay.” (22:44, Jordan)
• Working Mom Appreciation: Jordan expresses awe at working moms' ability to manage immense mental load.

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3. Social Media, Comparison, and “Elf on the Shelf” Guilt (31:40–40:00)

• Social Media Triggers: The hosts analyze how social platforms exacerbate “mom guilt,” especially around the holidays.
  • “If that’s how you think on a daily basis, it’s got to be torture... all you’re doing is swiping and being like, oh my gosh, her house looks better... her elf on the shelf, look at this...” (28:54, Jordan)
• Not Doing Enough: Dani voices fears of being a “bad mom” for not doing holiday traditions like Elf on the Shelf.
  • “I have the elf. I have a box to do Elf on the Shelf, but I just can’t get it together... I suck.” (27:21, Dani)
• Male Perspective: Jordan suggests that women might need to filter their social content to counteract the onslaught of comparison.

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4. Listener Holiday Hotline: Parenting, Santa, and Family Traditions (41:30–64:19)

• Santa Dilemma: What do you do when your kids start questioning Santa?
  • “I’m worried about Stella... I really don’t think she believes in Santa Claus.” (42:10, Dani)
  • Comedic confessions about making “empty threats” involving Santa to try and modify behavior.
• Elf on the Shelf as Parental Redemption: Dani resolves to cram five days of Elf on the Shelf before Christmas to “reignite the magic” and quiet the inner critic (45:07).
• Mom Carries the Holiday Load: Reality check—Dani handles all the Christmas shopping, even for the in-laws:
  • “Jordan has no idea what he’s giving anyone for Christmas. Not one thing.” (51:25, Dani)
  • She emphasizes the necessity of planning gifts far in advance to reduce stress (52:14).
• Centering Christmas on Faith: Discussion on keeping holidays about Jesus amidst commercial chaos.
  • “I would rather be a family that goes to church every Sunday and then skip Christmas Eve and have good time with the family, than just go to church on Christmas Eve and never the other days.” (53:21, Dani)
• Mega Church Productions: Thoughts on Prestonwood Church's extravagant (and controversial) Christmas performances; they conclude that anything which brings people together can be worthwhile, despite criticism.

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5. Family Drama & Navigating Holiday Expectations (67:26–74:26)

• Too Many Toys Issue: Advice for managing (grand)parents who buy too many gifts, especially tech or screens.
  • Communication and honest preferences are key—even if older generations don’t always understand.
• Church & Family Traditions: Navigating differences in where and how to do family religious events and splitting time between in-laws.
• Family Drama: Accept that some drama is inevitable; communication and doing your best to be equitable is crucial.
  • “I will die on that hill that I did my best. I will go to my grave saying, I did my best.” (70:01, Jordan)
• Worst Presents: Both joke about the awkwardness of receiving duplicate or unwanted gifts—Jordan admits, “I just don’t want anything anymore.” (71:27)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Parenting Logistics:
  • “We really did it the hardest way possible. Unless we had twins, there’s not a harder way to do it than we did it.” (03:27, Jordan)
• Holiday Mental Load:
  • “I packed Monday for a trip that we leave on Friday because I tried not to be stressed.” (30:29, Dani)
• On “Bad Mom” Guilt:
  • “If I don’t get a picture of all of them in coordinating outfits, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.” (08:18, Dani)
  • “All of this is pressure. Like as husbands, if you want to match them, great, but if it’s going to affect the stress of the family, no need. It’s all okay.” (28:13, Jordan)
• On Social Media Pressure:
  • “People, like, hate follow people because they want to feel better about themselves.” (32:40, Jordan)
• On Christmas Shopping:
  • “Give me credit. I literally shopped for Christmas like two months ago… the discount isn’t worth the stress for me.” (52:14, Dani)
• On Faith & Holidays:
  • “I’m really for anything that’s wholesome, that brings people together.” (63:34, Dani)
• On Family Drama:
  • “Just pretend it didn’t happen probably. I don’t know.” (69:10, Dani)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Parenting Logistics & “Mental Load” – 00:00–12:44
• Mom Guilt & Holiday Pressure – 12:45–31:39
• Social Media Comparison & Elf on the Shelf – 31:40–40:00
• Holiday Hotline: Listener Q&A (Santa, Gifts, Faith) – 41:30–64:19
• Family Drama, Traditions, & Presents – 67:26–74:26

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Tone & Style

Conversational, self-deprecating, and often humorous, with Dani candidly sharing her anxieties and inner dialogue while Jordan alternates between empathy and playful ribbing. The episode balances relatability with genuine connection, offering a peek behind the “influencer” curtain into the messy realities of parenting, marriage, and modern holiday stress.

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Summary prepared for listeners who want the real story behind picture-perfect holiday posts—and for all parents who feel like they’re just barely keeping Christmas alive.

Transcript

[Jordan]

Foreign.

[Danny]

The following podcast is a dear media production. Hello and welcome back to your favorite podcast de Influence. Guys, it feels so good to win.

[Jordan]

Yeah, we just heard because we don't. I don't read any of the comments or you don't read the comments, but apparently I really lost the last fight.

[Danny]

Yeah. So if you listen. If you haven't listened to our last episode, go listen to it because we start out the beginning of the episode with a good old fight.

[Jordan]

No, we weren't fighting. We were rehashing the fight.

[Danny]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Jordan]

That's what usually what we do.

[Danny]

Yeah. But we were kind of fighting a little bit. Arguing a little.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I was like, poking your buttons a little bit.

[Danny]

Which they say it's healthy to have like, discord, like to have fights, you know. Did you hear about how. Who was it? It's not a Hugh Grant. It was Travis. Kelsey was in an interview with. Gosh, I can't remember who it was. Anyway, they both talked about how they never. How Travis was like, oh, I've never fought with Taylor. Like, we've never had an argument.

[Jordan]

That's a lie.

[Danny]

I know, but people were like, people have been going back and forth, like, maybe it's true because, like, would you fight with like your billionaire sugar mama? Like, you know, yeah, would you fight with her? And. But then a lot of people are like, hey, it's healthy to have little arguments.

[Jordan]

Right.

[Danny]

And fights. But they're like, what are they gonna fight about? Like, you took the jet instead of me. Like, you know.

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah, no, I was really surprised that I lost that one so hardcore. I really thought people were gonna sympathize with me.

[Danny]

Yeah. Basically it was just like a very common marriage fight. But it does feel good to win because apparently people were saying 95 of. Of the time. I agree with Jordan, but I'm with Danny on this one, so I'm losing my grip. Would love to. Would love to know Yalls feedback on that. Also coming in looking a little. Looking a little and feeling a little crazy. We have a really busy day today. We're going to the airport with all the children in like a couple hours. And so I had to come, like, I did my workout from 7:30 to 8:30 and straight to the podcast and then straight to getting ready and then straight to the airport.

[Jordan]

You know, we had a. A blessing the other day where we met another couple with four kids. Like she was holding a baby. A newborn.

[Danny]

Yes.

[Jordan]

And they are going to be pretty much the exact same age gaps as ours kind of. Or Ours harder.

[Danny]

Ours are harder.

[Jordan]

Ours are harder. So. So what it's crazy, though, is, like, when, when we were talking to them, they did say the transition from three to four is not that hard. But what they did give me a reality check on is that usually what it looks like is you're going to be taking care of the newborn and I'll be taking care of the three. And so that was like a kind of a wake up call for me because. And I've kind of started getting used to it because, like, I. I'm usually with the big kids and I'm kind of like, okay, if I had to take care of Summit two, how would I do it? And I would have to put them in the kangaroo pouch and then, like, hold both their hands. Like, if we're going to, like, someone's.

[Danny]

Gonna be walking soon.

[Jordan]

I know, I know. I don't know how I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna be honest.

[Danny]

The good news is, is Stella's like, on her own now. So Stratton is getting better, but it's like you still. He likes to be held. Whatever. So you can just put Stratton in Summit now in the double stroller when you really need to.

[Jordan]

Yeah. You know, it, it just every once in a while I get a reality check that's like.

[Danny]

It hits you.

[Jordan]

We really did it the hardest way possible. Like, there's not really. Unless we had twins. There's not a harder way to do it than we did it.

[Danny]

Sometimes I even feel like twins is easier because you do everything all at once.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Does that make sense?

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Like, we have to, like. It's like we're in so many different phases that you have to bring everything. If you have twins, they're both in the same phase.

[Jordan]

And honestly, it's double.

[Danny]

So you just make two bottles. You make two backpacks. Like, right now we, like, just went through that and now. So now we have to take care of like a one year old plus a newborn. And they're, they're, they require different things. So you have a crawler and then you have like a breastfeeding baby. Like, that's, that's different. That's. If, if you had two twins. If you had twins, they'd both be breastfeeding and one would be sleeping while the other is breastfeeding. Like, it's just.

[Jordan]

Yeah, it's just crazy. But sometimes I would maybe agree with you too, because twins is like a cheat code because then you don't have to go through another pregnancy.

[Danny]

Oh, 100 all of us. And the pregnancy is the hardest part about having children. I agree 100%.

[Jordan]

I mean, I. I agree that's in. In as much as I can agree.

[Danny]

Pregnancy didn't happen, we would have probably seven kids.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

For sure.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Just bring them out.

[Danny]

Just bring them out. Bring them out.

[Jordan]

No, but I, I just. It was a really cool conversation because it just, it made me realize because we were at the divvies she was helping set up for the divi Christmas party. And then I was like, okay. We built this company on top of having three kids with those age gaps and a fourth on the way.

[Danny]

I know.

[Jordan]

Like, it's kind of. It's. It's kind of nonsense what we did.

[Danny]

I feel like I'm kind of gonna throw up a little bit.

[Jordan]

Why?

[Danny]

I don't know. I think my workout this morning.

[Jordan]

Oh, I thought you meant because the conversation.

[Danny]

Oh, no. Like, sorry, no, not because of the conversation. When I did my workout this way. I think it's because of those fajitas I ate last night. I had my glucose test yesterday.

[Jordan]

So. You had a glucose test and ate. Drank all that sugar and had mucosine.

[Danny]

I know. Well, let me tell you what, Let me tell you what. What happened was I had my glucose test yesterday, which I never really have a hard time with the glucose test. I think it's like a, like a hundred grams of sugar.

[Jordan]

Does it taste good?

[Danny]

It tastes like. Remember as kids, those like and even still in Stratton have them like when. Like those push up popsicles.

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah.

[Danny]

You know when they all turn to juice.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

It's like, just like that. But it's a whole water bottle full of that.

[Jordan]

Oh, man. You probably feel terrible after.

[Danny]

No, I feel great. I mean, you get a little sugar high.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

And then you crash because it's so much sugar. But you have to drink it within like a certain amount of time. So like. But like for me, I just chug the whole thing.

[Jordan]

Oh.

[Danny]

And because I'm just like, get over with. And so I chug the whole thing. I was feeling great. I was on my sugar high. It was all good. Did have a little crash. But I think because I had so much sugar, I was craving sodium maybe. You know when you have a lot of sugar, you want salt.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Danny]

So like ever since I got home from that, I was like, fajitas, fajitas, fajitas, feas. I couldn't stop thinking about them. Beef fajitas, really just beef fajitas. But then I order chicken because sometimes I don't like. Yeah. And so I. I. So all I could think about and then I had chips and salsa. So I really just did bad things to my body yesterday, and I think it's catching up to me, but surprisingly. Oh, no. My hands are swollen. Never mind. I was gonna say the sodium hasn't hit my fingers yet, but it has.

[Jordan]

Does the color of your nail change at the end?

[Danny]

Don't you love it?

[Jordan]

Whoa.

[Danny]

Guys, I got.

[Jordan]

It's like an optical illusion.

[Danny]

I got red cat eye for the holidays. They look like ornaments. It is. It's some of my best work.

[Jordan]

I mean, that's.

[Danny]

It's pretty cool, right?

[Jordan]

Yeah, I was. It's like, they're called cat eye because they change color.

[Danny]

They don't change color. They're just. Yeah.

[Jordan]

It's like within the light.

[Danny]

Yeah, within, like. It's so cool. Thank you for noticing my nails.

[Jordan]

Oh, of course.

[Danny]

You never do. That's so nice.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I do.

[Danny]

No, I know, but it's, like, it's cool that I picked a color that you, like, notice.

[Jordan]

Yeah, it's kind of tripping me out. Yeah. So we're going to a wedding. This is the Latina side of our family. Latina, Hispanic.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

What's. What's wrong with saying Latinx?

[Danny]

I don't know.

[Jordan]

What. You looked at me like I was saying something wrong.

[Danny]

It's the Ramirez side of my family. I'm super excited. My cousin is getting married and it is in Fredericksburg.

[Jordan]

Yeah. I told the kids, they. They have to speak Spanish.

[Danny]

Yeah. And what's so cool is that this wedding, they're allowing children, which is cool, but also, like, a little stressful because, like, I needed to. I don't. I didn't need to, but I put this on myself that I need my kids to all be in coordinating outfits at this wedding. You know? Like, I just have to.

[Jordan]

Oh, so that's the stress.

[Danny]

Yeah. Because I can't have, like, Stratton in a navy suit, Summit in something red, and then Stella in a pink dress. I just can't do it. I was like, I am a failure as a mother if I don't. And if I don't get a picture of all of them in coordinating outfits, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. This is just what goes through my head every day.

[Jordan]

Did you iron my shirt, by the way?

[Danny]

You're so funny. You're so funny. Cuz like, on Monday I woke him up and I was like, hey, babe, this week's going to be crazy. Is there Anything that. Do we need to make a, a, an appointment at suit supply? Do we need to get anything ready? Do we need to like dry clean anything? I said, because my week's going to be really busy and I'm worried about the kids. And he goes, no, I got it. Don't worry about it.

[Jordan]

Yeah, No, I said thank you. I feel so loved.

[Danny]

Yeah. Yeah. So it's so funny.

[Jordan]

I thought there were more trad wives in this audience, but apparently not a bunch of independent females.

[Danny]

Okay, so, but anyway, I found this store in Dallas that everybody always, always told me to go to. It's called Hip Hip Hooray. It's more like that classic, like traditional way of dressing your kids. Like, you know, where like if it's a baby, like you don't know if it's a boy or girl because they're wearing an outfit that's like questionable. You know, the high socks with like the saddle shoes. I just, I've never dressed my kids like that. And I was like, I don't know, I just feel like this is the time and I just want to try it out. So I went to one of those stores, which is so funny because we're going to like a Hispanic wedding and my kids are going to like, everybody's gonna be like, why is your son in knee high socks? Like, you know, it's so like not on brand for like the family. But I don't know why. Like, I just feel like summit.

[Jordan]

They're gonna be like, oh boy, here's the white Dallas girl.

[Danny]

They always do call me the white cousin. But the thing is, is like the. I just feel like when is like my 12 month old, my 3 year old and my 5 year old ever gonna be at a wedding again?

[Jordan]

Oh, that's a good point.

[Danny]

You know, so I'm like, okay, then I want to go all out and like dress them cute and get like. Because this is like a moment that they'll probably never forget. Like, I remember when I was like four, I went to my aunt's wedding and it's like something I'll never forget. Like I got a picture with my grandpa and like, da da, you know, so that's why I've been putting so much pressure on myself. I'm like, this is a big deal. And so anyway, I went to this store called Hip Hip Hooray. Jennifer, who works at the front, des amazing. Like you literally just walk in, you're like, here are the ages of my kids. Here's their sizes. She styles them head to toe. Picked out everything. It was just like the most amazing experience. So my kids are going to be looking like the like royals at this wedding.

[Jordan]

The only downside, the only problem is.

[Danny]

I don't know what I'm wearing.

[Jordan]

The only downside to you going to that store is I really do feel like it took away from our moving to Nashville argument because you went to that store and you were like, see, Dallas has everything.

[Danny]

I just, I love it.

[Jordan]

And I was like, man.

[Danny]

We had the most gorgeous wedding. I mean, sorry weather this week. This week. And so every day when I was leaving, like, I was like walking around these shops in like this place called Snyder Plaza. I went and got a smoothie by myself. And then there was like another cute shop I got to walk in and then there's like another shop that has all this like beautiful like dishes and like that. And I was like, oh, God, you just like can't recreate this. Not only that, but I'm like 10 minutes away from my house. You know, I'm like in Nashville. I probably have to drive two hours to get to all these places. So I was just like, oh, this I'm really feeling myself. Like it was so beautiful. Actually, I wasn't feeling myself, but I was feeling the weather, you know?

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah. The weather's so short lived though, babe.

[Danny]

I know. It was just like one of those days.

[Jordan]

I know.

[Danny]

You know, if I, if it would have been summer, I'd be like, get me out of here.

[Jordan]

I know, I know. You just got to remember summer.

[Danny]

I know, I know.

[Jordan]

Just remember.

[Danny]

No, I know. But also it's the high in Nashville when we go next week is 30 degrees.

[Jordan]

I know. Because they have four seasons.

[Danny]

Yeah, I know. But like, what am I supposed to wear when it's the highest 30? What is like the average for the day? Like 17. I've only experienced 17 degree weather like once in my life.

[Jordan]

I know. I get it, I get it. Let's just see how it goes.

[Danny]

Let's see how it goes. So anyway, so that's what I've been stressed about. And it was funny because we had like a really big call this week for Divi at the divvy office. And like after the call it went really well and Jordan was like, man, I bet you're so happy because I bet you were so. I can tell, like you were so stressed about that, that call all week. I go, what? I was like, no, I've been stressed about getting Stella the right size dress all week. Like, that's what's been Weighing on me. I was like, this call was not what I was stressed about. It's just funny how, like.

[Jordan]

And that's very relatable, right, to other people.

[Danny]

Yeah. I mean, I'm stressed about that. And then not only this. So let me. Let me, like, give you guys, like, for all the other moms out there, let me give you, like, all the logistics I'm dealing with here. Okay? So we go from Dallas to Fredericksburg. We're flying to San Antonio. Then we're driving to Fredericksburg because we're gonna have all the kids with us, so we have to have everything for that excursion. And then also getting in the car, driving an hour and a half. Okay. So then we do the wedding over the weekend. We're giving summit to my mom, which is terrifying. And so summit has to be packed separate. And then we're flying with the two older kids straight from San Antonio to.

[Jordan]

Nashville for a school tour.

[Danny]

For a school tour. And we're looking at a couple more, like, houses and. And, like, land. So they had to have outfits for their school tour, too, because they're doing, like. Like, a little observation there, and then we're staying there, and then we're looking at houses. But, like, mind you, it's the highest. 30 degrees. Like, I don't know how to pack for, like, 30 degrees for children. And not only that, but they outgrow everything. So then I had to go get Stella a new puffer coat. Stratton, like, you know, hand all this stuff. And then not only that, last night, we're supposed to leave last night, Jordan tells me, hey, an hour or two after we land, we just got invited to a movie premiere with the kids. We have to go. And I'm like, what? And then I'm like. He's like, yeah, they can wear whatever. And I go, no, text them and ask them, like, a movie premiere. Like, you always see people, like, really dressed up. He's like, yeah, they come or whatever. Like, don't stress about it. Like, it's going to be fine. I'm like, no, I'm not going to not stress about it. And they cannot just wear whatever. So he texts, and they're like, yeah, it's festive casual. I'm like, what does festive casual mean? So now I have to get, like, another.

[Jordan]

A man told me that I.

[Danny]

Exactly. Which I don't trust you guys. So these are all the logistics I'm dealing with. And people think I'm stressed about work, but I'm actually stressed about that.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

And then oh, sorry. Last thing. Let me tell you, I forgot about me. I don't have a dress that I'm wearing to the wedding. Did you know that?

[Jordan]

No.

[Danny]

Yeah. So I forgot about myself because I'm so, you know, selfless. And the dresses I ordered didn't fit. So I'm re wearing the dress that I wore to Bridget's event.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Can you believe it? I have to rewear a dress. Just kidding.

[Jordan]

So, wow.

[Danny]

So I had this moment the other day where I opened the fridge all proud of myself because I thought I had meals ready for the kids. And it was literally just a half a yogurt and three grapes that somehow shriveled overnight. If you're a parent, you know, meals can feel like never ending loops. Everyone is hungry, everyone wants something different. And somehow it's always right when you're in the middle of something. And that's why Nurture Life has been a game changer for us. Nurture Life makes nutritious meals and snacks the kids actually want to eat. And it gives the parents the support we desperately need. Their menu is huge. Everything from toddler finger foods to full meals for older kids. Everything is fresh, fully cooked and ready in one minute. We're one minute. Which is truly a love letter to every parent who has ever tried to make a deal with a child hanging off their leg. And I didn't even think about the heavy metals in kids food until Nurture Life told me. Like what? They're the only kids Meals brand that tests all their meals for heavy metals. So now I'm not only feeding them fast, I feel good about what they're actually eating. Their go to right now is the Mac and cheese. And yes, I fully accepted that. I'm going to steal a few bites every time after school they come home absolutely starving and I'm just don't have the bandwidth to cook three different things. Nurture Life makes it so easy to feed them something real without the stress. So how does it work? You pick from more than 50 nutritious meals and snacks. Nurture Life cooks everything fresh and it shows up at your door in refrigerated packaging. My kids adore it and I love that everything is dietitian, designed, balanced and actually good for them. So head to nurturelife.com dinfluence and use the code dinfluence for 55% off your first order plus free shipping. That's right, 55% off plus free shipping. Once again, that's nurturelife.com dinfenced. And make sure you use my promo code D influenced the holidays are basically here, which means every event, every dinner, every party suddenly requires you to look like you have your life together, even when you have three children and are constantly running around like crazy. And makeup during the season can feel like too much, too many steps, too heavy, takes too long or just doesn't look natural at all. So when a brand comes along that focuses on clean formulas, skin loving ingredients and a more effortless you but brighter kind of look, it definitely gets my attention. Jones Road is all about simplifying in the routine, creating products that are easy, intuitive and don't require professional level blending skills. It's minimalist makeup that doesn't feel like makeup, which is especially nice when you're sprinting between holiday gatherings and just want something quick that still makes you feel polished. And the timing could not be better because starting November 6th, they dropped their most giftable exclusive holiday collection yet. Five gorgeous limited edition trios, each with curated shades and products that make getting ready feel so much simpler. Whether you're gifting them or using them to take the guesswork out of your own holiday glam, the sets are designed to work together effortlessly. Swipe, tap, blend and you're done. Their whole approach is really about enhancing instead of masking, making it easy to pull together a natural, glowy look without the overwhelm. Honestly, it just fits the season. Clean, Strategic, multifunctional and Stress Fee this holiday season, simplify your routine with makeup that's clean, strategic and multifunctional. Also, as a treat for our listeners, you'll get a free cool gloss on your first purchase. When you use Code Danny at checkout, just head to jonesroad.com dani and use code Dani at checkout. After your purchase they will ask where you heard about them. Please support our show and tell them that we sent you.

[Jordan]

I've been thinking a lot about what actually matters during the holidays and honestly, it's not more stuff. It's peace of mind. It's feeling like you are taking care of yourself and the people you love. And that's a big part of why I chose Function. Because it's the only health platform that gives me data most people never get and the insights to actually do something about it. Inside Function. You get access to over 160 plus lab tests annually. Hormones, toxins, markers for heart health, inflammation, stress. Things we normally never get tested unless something's already wrong. And for an additional fee, you can even access MRI and chest CT scans, all tracked in one secure place. Over time, it's truly a near 360 view of what's happening inside your body. That's why top health leaders like Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Jeremy London are all behind function. And with the holidays here, I keep coming back to this idea. Gift health, not stuff. Because what's more meaningful than giving someone clarity about their body? If you're thinking about a gift that's actually life changing, this is it. Instead of something that gets used once and forgotten, this gives people real information they can use all year long. For the people in my life who already have everything, function is honestly the perfect gift. It's the one thing that feels personal, thoughtful and actually useful. I'm gifting it to people I love because I want to have more healthy years together. And yes, the FTC makes me say this clearly, but I use this and you should too. Own your health first. $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com Danny or use gift code Danny25 for $25 credit towards your membership. We should, you should just not go out anymore. It would be easier on you if you just stay inside.

[Danny]

That's why I. Besides things like this, I usually don't. I try not to leave.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I mean how does like how do these like tiktokers that are like always going to events, how are they doing? Oh, they don't have kids. Yeah.

[Danny]

Are you kidding me?

[Jordan]

Yeah, they don't have kids. That's right. Like. Yeah, they just have themselves to worry about.

[Danny]

Yeah. And then I had to get a spray tan and I did like I did one of those rapids and I don't know what happened. When I got in the shower, it like streaked all over the place so I kind of look like a, like a little tie dye.

[Jordan]

It really is like incredible.

[Danny]

And my throat hurts a little on the left side.

[Jordan]

Like it's just kind of incredible. Like just working moms in general. It's pretty incredible thing if I'm being honest because just hearing how your brain processes stress and information, it's the mental load is a lot.

[Danny]

Well and then I go to Divi and they're like, so what new products should we have?

[Jordan]

Yeah, I know, I know.

[Danny]

They're like, let's redesign this. And I'm like, but I don't know if my husband picked up his dry cleaning. You know, I don't know if my husband knows he's going to wear. Does he know that it's 30 degrees in Nashville?

[Jordan]

You didn't Think about that.

[Danny]

Yeah, I do. Because you always wear the trouser pants that show your ankles. And it bothers me so much whenever your ankles are shown in 30 degree, 30 degree weather. It doesn't make any sense, but you think that's okay in your brain. And then I walk in and I'm like, Jordan's wearing basically a loafer with his ankle showing. And the highest. 30 degrees, it just looks silly, you know?

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

And you don't think about things like that. Are you showing your ankles in Nashville?

[Jordan]

In Nashville or in the wedding?

[Danny]

The wedding. I think the, the high is like 50, so it's not as bad. But like if the, if it is 24 degrees outside and you walk out in a pant that, In a loafer but where your ankles are showing, I'm. I'm not going to be happy.

[Jordan]

Well, I've been intermittent fasting and so I can actually pull my pants down lower on my hips. And so I think you might get a glimpse of my ankle.

[Danny]

But people wear socks in the winter. Maybe some boots. Maybe like a loafer with a sock that like, you, you can't show your bare skin in 20 degree weather.

[Jordan]

I don't look forward to Sunday. It's going to be a battle.

[Danny]

But do you see what I mean?

[Jordan]

Yeah. No.

[Danny]

This is why I was like, on Monday, I was like, do we need to go suit supply and get you like a different type of suit? Because he really likes the ones where the pants are cropped almost. They almost look like capris.

[Jordan]

I don't. The stylist tells me that, but it's.

[Danny]

Like, oh, you're so European because you're in summer in Texas and it's 100 degrees outside.

[Jordan]

Listen, I think the difference between men and women is like, I know I'll survive this. Like, it's okay. Like if our kids are not in matching outfits. Like, it's okay.

[Danny]

But is it.

[Jordan]

I don't know.

[Danny]

Okay.

[Jordan]

I don't know who's wrong here. Like, to you it's like life or death. Like, it's like, it's like, what's so funny is that I feel like you always get on to me. Like you feel like I don't understand priorities, you know? Or like women get onto their husbands. They're like, he doesn't know how to prioritize anything.

[Danny]

Yeah. Because he's wearing a Capri with 20 degree weather.

[Jordan]

I. Yeah. And I'm like, I'm like, I don't understand why that's the priority. You know, it's just Men and women. It's so funny.

[Danny]

So what is the priority?

[Jordan]

Getting to Nashville, having a good attitude, making some friends, like, smiling, Our kids, behaving.

[Danny]

You don't. You don't worry about. You don't worry about our children being cold?

[Jordan]

No, I.

[Danny]

It's like all I think about.

[Jordan]

Oh, well, I mean, I think about that.

[Danny]

You think about, like, not having a coat?

[Jordan]

No, I don't think I would.

[Danny]

And you don't think about, like, having a coat that, like, is clean without lint all over it. Like, you don't think about that. Because that's all I think about.

[Jordan]

I know. And that's why I'm like, I don't. I. I genuinely don't know if you're right or not. I'm kind of like, did. Did her mother raise her this way? And so it's just like, it is her reality.

[Danny]

No, I think every female is like, does the coat go with the outfit? Slash, do I have the right shoes for 30°? Like, I think that's very normal.

[Jordan]

Yeah, but like, what's the worst then?

[Danny]

I feel like I try to take care of you and you don't let me take care of you because you feel like you're right.

[Jordan]

That's probably true.

[Danny]

But I'm like, hey, I think we need to go to.

[Jordan]

Let's not make this about me.

[Danny]

I'm like, hey, I think we need to go supply. Because, like, do you have something that's, like, appropriate for the. What? Like, and when I say appropriate, it's not just like, it's like, appropriate for the weather, appropriate for like the culture, for the event.

[Jordan]

Like, you know, so like, what's that? Who's that? Mel Robbins. She's like, let them, you know, so like, if our kids showed up in unmatching.

[Danny]

I don't think Mel Robbins was talking about children when she was saying, let them know.

[Jordan]

I know, I know, but I'm just trying to like, so if your children.

[Danny]

Are just, you know, they're just climb on top of the house. No, but just let them.

[Jordan]

I think her general message to females was like, hey, it's going to be okay. Like, let them. Like, you don't have to control everything. So, like, if our kids showed up in unmatching outfits to the wedding, like, then what? Like, just play it out in your brain.

[Danny]

I would feel guilty because I didn't take care of my children.

[Jordan]

And that would mean a bad mom. Bingo.

[Danny]

Yeah, exactly. So I'm trying to not be a bad mom.

[Jordan]

Yeah. So. But that's not that's not real.

[Danny]

Yeah, it is.

[Jordan]

It doesn't mean you're a bad mom.

[Danny]

Jordan, if you show up to Nashville and it's 20 degree weather and you don't have a coat and hat for your children, it is a bad mom.

[Jordan]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. We're not talking about coat and hat.

[Danny]

But that's what I'm worried about.

[Jordan]

I could handle coat and hat, babe.

[Danny]

You can't. Last time we went to Nashville, you didn't even bring a coat and it was like 30 degrees outside. You can't handle that you're about to show your ankles in 20 degree weather.

[Jordan]

Stop making about me. I'm saying like, the, the kids, like, okay, let's say they show up with weather appropriate outfits to the wedding, but they're not matching. What does that mean?

[Danny]

This is what you don't realize. They didn't have weather appropriate things before this week. They had outgrown them.

[Jordan]

For Fredericksburg?

[Danny]

No, for Nashville. Do you see the pink puffer vest that Stella's wearing today? I bought that Wednesday.

[Jordan]

Yeah, no, I, I get all that. That, that is stressful. That's real. That's real. But what I'm trying to get at is like the, the, the matching outfits, like, you were like, I have. It's like life.

[Danny]

Okay? The matching outfits are probably not life or death, but think about it. Then in 20 years, we're all going to be sitting around Christmas and then they're going to be like, mom, how come we never got pictures of all three of us together? And I'm going to be like, because I was a bad mom.

[Jordan]

So you remember that show we watched? It's not her fault.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

The reason I felt like that was such a resonating show with women was because it did such a good job of capturing this thing happens. And so therefore I'm a bad mom. And it like they showed, they showed it really well how everything linked back to the female mind being like, I'm not good enough or I'm. I'm a bad mom. Like, that's why they called. It's not her fault because it was all on the mom, even though it was the husband that sucked in the show.

[Danny]

Well, I'm kind of in this like, state of guilt because I'm also not doing Elf on the shelf. And it's like all.

[Jordan]

See, this is what I'm talking about. This is what I'm talking about.

[Danny]

And they're like, there's all these reals that are like, thank you to my mom who like did all this and she's the one that brought out the magic of Christmas. And I'm like, well, I suck. Sorry. I suck.

[Jordan]

This is what I mean.

[Danny]

It's also like, I'm trying to get. Oh, I can't say I don't want to. Never mind. What stuff about Santa Claus just in case children are listening.

[Jordan]

Oh, yeah, yeah. So she's trying to get in touch with Santa Claus.

[Danny]

Trying to get in touch with Santa Claus, and I'm writing him all these notes about what we want, and then what we want changes every single day. So I'm like, isn't Santa Claus communicating with Santa Claus enough?

[Jordan]

Do you remember in that one marriage counseling session we were in and she was talking about how, like, shame, like, shame within females. Like, shame is like a trigger or. I don't know what she say. Like, it was like.

[Danny]

Like, bred into us, I guess.

[Jordan]

Bred into you? Yes. And I feel like the Elf on the shelf example you gave and, like, the matching outfits, all of this is, like, pressure. And, like, as husbands, I feel like we're like, okay, if you want to match them, great, but if it's going to, like, affect the stress of the family, no need. It's all okay. But, like, it's interesting how you not doing elf on the shelf makes you feel like a bad mom. Like, that connection is such a weird.

[Danny]

Are you kidding me? It's like, I think about it every day, and I have the elf. I even have a box that's like, you could do this step by step, and it, like, helps you do the elf on the shelf. Like, just. They literally give you, like, a guide.

[Jordan]

And I'm going to tell you something. This is going to sink our whole empire, whole business. I don't think females should be on social media, moms especially. It's got to be. If that is how you think on a daily basis, it's got to be torture because all you're doing is swiping and being like, oh, my gosh, like, her house looks better. Look at her Christmas tree. Look at her elf on the shelf. Look at this. Like, I look at and I'm like, oh, man, they did a great job.

[Danny]

Oh, like when you see somebody got Christmas photos and you haven't even had your shoot yet, it's like dagger to the heart. I'm like, wow, I suck.

[Jordan]

So. So holidays are probably really hard on social media for females.

[Danny]

Yeah. That's why I haven't really liked when you touched me this week, because I'm like, there are so many tabs open in my brain.

[Jordan]

No, you were actually very communicative about. Can I read your text? I won't read it if it's like, let me see. I was really confused. I called her and when I was at the gym, I was like, hey, are you okay? Like, I was. I was worried. I was like, I'm. I don't know what's going on. I was like, she's stressed about something, but everything.

[Danny]

Two trips back to back, all the outfits, all the, the, the weather change. It's just these divvy meetings, all this stuff.

[Jordan]

I'm feeling a little anxious this week and just. I had a hard time sleeping. I'm actually very happy and content inside. I think it's just a couple off days, but I think once I get a good rest night, I'll be good. I'm not really anxious about anything in particular. The wedding outfits. The wedding outfits for everyone was the main thing. I'm not worried about work or anything else. I just don't feel 100%. But I'm packed in everything. So feeling a little bit better.

[Danny]

I packed Monday for a trip that we leave on Friday because I tried to not be stressed.

[Jordan]

December is just a crazy time for a lot of moms. I need you to understand this. Our brain's just bouncing to a million things and I'm entering a third trimester. I just need some patience and grace and. But there's nothing that can be done. I've already done what I think I needed to do. I just said, okay, I understand. I love you, but it really is. It's the holidays.

[Danny]

No, a hundred percent. I can't wait till January.

[Jordan]

Gosh, it's.

[Danny]

Honestly, after this trip. Well, then I'm hosting Christmas. Oh, Lord Jesus, help us.

[Jordan]

Yeah, we haven't thought about that. But, but man, I. People should fast off social media for.

[Danny]

Well, that's why I think they do in January. In January, everybody's like, we're done. We're taking.

[Jordan]

Yeah, we're. We're taking a break.

[Danny]

But I'm probably not going to take a break in January because I'm going to take a break when baby comes, which is like maybe February, the end of February. And I like being. I like posting on social media. It makes me feel good.

[Jordan]

No, I know.

[Danny]

And I think it's fun.

[Jordan]

No, I'm not saying that I think, I don't think that posting is bad.

[Danny]

Yeah. Consuming.

[Jordan]

Unless you're making people feel envious. But you're not doing elf.

[Danny]

Yeah, I purposely just try to show how beautiful I am every day and Just like, I try to show, like.

[Jordan]

I like following Danny because she doesn't do Elf on the Shelf. And she's also a bad mom.

[Danny]

She also, her spray tan looks red and she doesn't make me feel bad.

[Jordan]

About myself because you know what? She's not that great.

[Danny]

No, honestly, it could be it.

[Jordan]

It could be it. No, like, people, like, people.

[Danny]

Like, she had her glucose test and then ate a whole bag of chips from Mikasina.

[Jordan]

Yeah, she.

[Danny]

I didn't do that.

[Jordan]

So I feel better. I am her or.

[Danny]

No, I'm better than her.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I'm better than her. Yeah. No, that's for real.

[Danny]

Oh, that's so true. I do like people.

[Jordan]

It's like, probably the new STR strategy of social media is like, you just kind of like, gotta be.

[Danny]

Just be bad.

[Jordan]

Just be bad.

[Danny]

Don't be a good.

[Jordan]

Well, that makes sense. Like, a lot of people hate. Follow a lot of people and they're just like, I'm better than her.

[Danny]

Totally. You know, But I am giving away a car, so that's kind of cool.

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Danny]

But I'm getting a lot of hate about that too.

[Jordan]

Yeah. What's the hate on that one? I figured you would.

[Danny]

There's a couple talking head videos. They're like, who is going to pay the taxes? Who. Who's the. And we're like, we already got all that cover, girlfriend. Like, we've already thought about all that. All those things.

[Jordan]

Oh, so it's the tax angle. I was.

[Danny]

Or they're like, is it real? I'm like, dude, don't you think, like, the. The people that think giveaways are fake.

[Jordan]

Like, yeah, how are you going to fake that?

[Danny]

It is always funny when you don't know you're getting hate and then like, your friends bring it up to you. They're like, sorry, girlfriend. Like, I saw.

[Jordan]

No, that's the worst.

[Danny]

Like, oh, I. I didn't know. I was like, over here living in my bubble. But it wasn't that bad. But there's like two or three talking heads about the giveaway and how it's like, let's talk about this. Is this real? You know, and then people in the DMS are like, they're. They're probably going to give away to a friend. I'm like, dude, if you are a friend, like, there. Sometimes I see like a girl from college that I haven't seen in like, you know, seven years enter one of my giveaways and I literally will DM her and be like, sorry, you're not going to win.

[Jordan]

Like.

[Danny]

Yeah, if you. If I've ever liked. If we have any type of relationship, you will not win one of my giveaways, unfortunately, because, like, I would be called like a fraud forever.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

So I think even Mr.

[Jordan]

Beast gets a bunch of hate for like giving away money and doing.

[Danny]

I know, but it's like, if that's the worst hate you're getting right now, I'm just. Can you just imagine the hate that I would get though, if my children were in 20 degree weather without a. So without a coat? I mean, that would kill me.

[Jordan]

Yeah, don't kill me. It's funny how, you know, priorities. Your priorities are in line.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Got it.

[Danny]

So that was that.

[Jordan]

You know who else is getting hate for giving things away? Michael Dell. I don't know the details, but he literally gave away like $6.5 billion and he put it into Trump accounts for kids. So I think it was like $200 each. And it like, if you look at how it's going to grow and all I see on Twitter is this guy getting railed for giving away $6.5 billion. They're like, this is a tax write off. This here's how. It's like the talking heads and they're like, here's how this is a tax scheme for Michael Dell and here's how it's going to be reinvested back into.

[Danny]

That's probably what we're getting hit about too. It's like a tax write off or what? I'm sure.

[Jordan]

Is it?

[Danny]

I don't know.

[Jordan]

I don't know.

[Danny]

Maybe we are paying for the cars, just so you know. So we didn't get the car for free. We might have gotten like a little dish, but. But not much.

[Jordan]

Like, that doesn't change anything. Like he gave away $6.5 billion, dude.

[Danny]

I'm telling you, children.

[Jordan]

Yeah, it's crazy.

[Danny]

It's so crazy.

[Jordan]

What do you want? What do you want to do? If he keeps it, he gets hate. They just hate. But I get it. I stand by being angry too.

[Danny]

Sometimes it just feels good.

[Jordan]

In the comments that I get any. Did I get any affirmation for my understanding of inflation to wage growth? Multiple people. Okay, cool.

[Danny]

What about anything about?

[Jordan]

Because I get it. There's a couple of people. There was. There was one lady who talked about that. She had been following her for like 12 years and she was just like, I just don't relate. Hill stayed the same and I progressed, basically.

[Danny]

Oh, okay. I get that.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

A lot of us Are looking for workouts that actually make us stronger without taking a toll on our joints or our schedules. And I kept hearing women rave about Evlo for that exact reason. And something I love about this brand is that I actually know the founder, Dr. Shannon. She's a doctor of physical therapy, incredibly smart and created Evlo after seeing so many women push themselves through workouts that weren't giving them the results they they wanted. Evolo is all about science based strength training that blends weightlifting with pilates principles. So you're building muscle in a way that's smart, joint friendly and sustainable. And the structure is honestly such a relief. Every week you get brand new 35 minute classes led by doctors of physical therapy and you can choose a track for three, four or five workouts a week. It takes the guesswork out of everything. One thing I hear over and over is how surprised women are by how effective of low is. Like they've tried everything and this is the first time they feel stronger, see real changes in muscle tone and have more energy without the whole I can't walk for three days situation. It's low impact but high results. And it's designed to help you build muscle without burnout, which I feel like is the season of life so many of us are in. And if you're pregnant or postpartum, Evlo has entire programs built just for you. There's a prenatal program where you enter your due date and the app gives you the workouts tailored to your exact date week of pregnancy taught by Dr. Shannon when she was in the same week herself. And there's a postpartum track too, so you're supported at every stage. It's evidence based, it's joint friendly, it's smart, it just makes sense. Especially if you've been frustrated by workouts that leave you exhausted instead of strong. Visit evo fitness.com and use the code Danny for six weeks free. You get a free two week trial plus your first month at $0.

[Jordan]

I always think I'm ready for the holidays until I actually look at how much everything costs. Between family trips, buying gifts, hosting people and all the little surprise expenses, it's basically a masterclass and how to lose track of your money without even trying. If you want to keep your finances under control this holiday season, you need to be using Monarch, rated Wall Street Journal's best budgeting app of 2025. Monarch is the all in one personal finance tool that brings your entire financial lives together in one clean interface on your laptop or your phone. And right now, Just for our listeners, monarch is offering 50% off your first year. The thing that shocked me the most was seeing everything in one place. Like, I knew holiday spending was bad, but I didn't realize how easy it was to blow through the whole budget without even noticing. Monarch was basically a wake up call. It forced me to adjust before the credit card bill arrived and ruined my January. Right now I'm checking my holiday spending category like it's my fantasy football score. It's honestly my year end reset tool and I love that you can literally link everything, investments, 401k and even your home value so you get an actual picture of your net worth. It makes decisions way easier and it's helped me stay on top of end of year stuff like maxing out contributions before deadlines. Plus, Danny and I do these little weekly money check ins now. 2 minutes, quick glance at the dashboard. Boom. No surprises, no stress and I swear it's made our financial conversation so much smoother. Monarch basically does the heavy lifting for people who are busy and don't want to touch spreadsheets ever again. The clarity gives you worth it. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code [e-mail] in your browser for half of your first year off. That's 50% off your first [e-mail] with code Danny. Holiday cooking always sounds fun until about 20 minutes in when every burner is on, the smoke alarm is threatening to go off and I'm googling how to tell if a steak is done for the 30th time. The pressure to get the food right is real. And honestly, starting with high quality ingredients is the only thing that keeps me sane. And that is exactly why Omaha Steaks has become my secret weapon. There is just something about opening a box filled with plump, juicy air. Chilled chicken, big beefy burgers, the most insane sides, and yes, those caramel apple tartlets that people go crazy for. It's like delivering all the warmth and magic of the season in one package. Except I didn't have to wrestle anyone in a mall parking lot to do it. And their steaks? Legendary. We're talking USDA certified tender fillets, bacon wrapped fillets, filet mignons, top sirloins, and all perfectly aged, hand cut by master butchers. And honestly, better quality than half the restaurants I've eaten. It's the kind of gift people remember because it's not another candle, it's an experience. Plus, Omaha Steaks has the seriously fast shipping, which is basically a holiday miracle for people like me. Who think we have plenty of time and then absolutely do not. I've used them for last minute gifts so many times. Coworkers, other dads, in laws, and every single time the response is like, wow. It just hits different. And with over 100 years of expertise behind everything, they make the quality shows in every bite. They've got everything. Steaks, burgers, seafood, pork, pork, chicken, Even those decadent desserts that somehow disappear from my freezer faster than I can hide them. It makes holiday gifting easy, which is honestly the greatest present of all. Save big on gourmet gifts and more holiday favorites with omaha steaks. Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site wide during their sizzle all the way sale. And for an extra $35 off, use code D influenced at checkout. Order today for delivery or in store pickup at your local Omaha steak store. Terms apply. See site for details.

[Danny]

Are you excited about Christmas?

[Jordan]

It's so close to Thanksgiving that it kind of feels like a repeat to me.

[Danny]

Well, let's move into our first segment. We're just going to talk about holiday advice and just, you know, there's some questions that people have about the holidays. And I thought, these are really good questions. Disclaimer maybe if your children are listening to this, turn it down. What do you do when your kids question Santa? I'm telling you, I'm worried about Stella. I don't think she believes in Santa Claus. And I keep telling her, I'm like, santa's not gonna come. I thought, I really don't think she believes in Santa Claus.

[Jordan]

Well, babe, she's seen like seven different Santas and they all look different. Well, Stella's wrong. Santa's real.

[Danny]

No, Santa is real. And I'm worried about her because Santa is probably not going to come because if you don't believe, he doesn't come.

[Jordan]

Yeah, Stella's a hater.

[Danny]

No, she's like, kind of a hater.

[Jordan]

She's kind of a hater on Santa.

[Danny]

No, for sure. Like, every time I'm like, do you want to write your, like, list to Santa Claus or do you want to, like, tell him something? She's like, no. I'm like, oh, and Stratton's like, tell Santa this. Please. Please want me to.

[Jordan]

Well, the other thing, though, I will say is that I think the one.

[Danny]

Thing that we have done wrong is sometimes Santa regifts.

[Jordan]

Well, sure, that. But I will say that there's two things we've done wrong.

[Danny]

It's elf on the shelf. I knew it. I knew it. I'm bad mom.

[Jordan]

Yeah. It's number one. I've caught Stella in the attic, so she's for sure seen those gifts.

[Danny]

Jordan, are you serious?

[Jordan]

I didn't let her in.

[Danny]

Was she by herself?

[Jordan]

Huh?

[Danny]

Was she by herself?

[Jordan]

No, she just knows the attic. She's like, what's in the attic?

[Danny]

Well, did you hide them?

[Jordan]

Yeah. Walk in there. They're hidden amongst all the other junk.

[Danny]

Like, I'm actually being serious. Like, off the record, like, on this. Like, did she really see them or did she.

[Jordan]

I don't think she saw. No, she just, like, knows there's some good stuff in there, but she doesn't know what. I didn't. So look at me. I'm a great father.

[Danny]

I've ruined my children. My children are ruined now.

[Jordan]

It. I'm a bad mom.

[Danny]

I'm bad mom.

[Jordan]

The second thing that we've done is I think that threatening. Like, I'm gonna tell Santa. Cause we start playing that card.

[Danny]

Q4 for sure.

[Jordan]

We're like, hey, like, we're gonna tell.

[Danny]

Santa's watching.

[Jordan]

Santa's watching. I think that it becomes, like, an empty threat. So they're kind of like, okay, Santa, I'll call your plug.

[Danny]

Jordan. The way that worked on me as a child, though.

[Jordan]

I know.

[Danny]

I mean, there were times I would go into my bedroom and just cry and be like, just think about all the horrible things I did that year and think, like, I'm not going to get Santa Claus. I had one friend who, like, he really did get, like, newspaper from Santa Claus. And like, we all heard about it at school, and we all were like, hell, no. We gonna be on our best behavior. It was awful. I mean, I wonder what he did.

[Jordan]

We might just. Basically, we might just need to ramp up the propaganda.

[Danny]

We.

[Jordan]

We might need to tell her a.

[Danny]

Story, you know what?

[Jordan]

And have Harper. Her friend Harper in on it. And we'll be like, tell her.

[Danny]

No, let me tell you something, because this is all effed now, okay? Everything's effed.

[Jordan]

We don't know.

[Danny]

The holidays are f. The magic is gone. So I'm gonna do. I'm gonna do Elf on the Shelf Five Days Before Christmas. Yeah, I am.

[Jordan]

I don't know if that's the solution.

[Danny]

No, I am. I'm gonna do it, okay? I'm gonna do it to just reignite the. The magic.

[Jordan]

Okay.

[Danny]

Because that's my job.

[Jordan]

Mm. Okay. Well, I'm gonna.

[Danny]

Don't talk to me. The 20th through the 25th.

[Jordan]

I'm gonna move out.

[Danny]

You probably should.

[Jordan]

I'm gonna move out for five days. I'll come back on Christmas, Daddy's home. I'll be like, how was mom? They were like, she was great, but she was really stressed.

[Danny]

No, they're gonna be like, who cares? Because the elf was in our house.

[Jordan]

Yeah, okay.

[Danny]

All right, so there's that.

[Jordan]

What was the question?

[Danny]

What do you do when your kids question Santa? I don't know. They haven't verbally questioned yet. So maybe ask us.

[Jordan]

She did at the lake with that, that Santa. She did go back to him and made you tell her him what you. What she wanted.

[Danny]

Yeah, that was a good sign. But that's because he was a happy looking Santa. She doesn't talk to mean looking Santas.

[Jordan]

Listen, we live in a pretty nice neighborhood. There was a reindeer there. She didn't give an F about that reindeer.

[Danny]

She, like, knew it was not like.

[Jordan]

She was like, you're not Rudolph.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

She's like, where's your red nose?

[Danny]

She's like, you're. You're Randy. That's not Rudolph. That's Randy.

[Jordan]

It really did look like a Ramby. Wait, it was great.

[Danny]

Wait, real talk, though.

[Jordan]

It was great.

[Danny]

Real, real talk.

[Jordan]

It was the most beautiful reindeer I've seen.

[Danny]

No, Jordan, like, actually, though, this is a stupid question. Was it real? Because it looked real. The antlers. Do deer ever grow things like that?

[Jordan]

Babe, those antlers are real.

[Danny]

They were real.

[Jordan]

Yes, reindeer have.

[Danny]

Oh, okay. Okay. Sorry.

[Jordan]

What do you think they just like, super glued it onto its head?

[Danny]

Yeah, kind of. I've never seen a deer like that.

[Jordan]

No, babe, that PETA would have been right there.

[Danny]

Babe, it was like. I. I thought they were fake.

[Jordan]

No, reindeers have antlers.

[Danny]

I've never seen that.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I don't know where they live.

[Danny]

Do they live, the reindeer?

[Jordan]

Do they live in the North Pole?

[Danny]

They live in the North Pole.

[Jordan]

Like, where do you just go and see live reindeer? Is it like.

[Danny]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Are reindeers real?

[Jordan]

Yes.

[Danny]

What?

[Jordan]

Yes.

[Danny]

You're sh. You're crapping me right now.

[Jordan]

No, but I don't know where they live. I'm gonna be honest.

[Danny]

Wait, you're telling me reindeers are real?

[Jordan]

I think they're like Norway or something.

[Danny]

Wait, they're not fake?

[Jordan]

No.

[Danny]

Oh, my gosh. Well, how come I've never seen one before?

[Jordan]

Let me tell you something that's going to blow your mind. You can also build a snowman.

[Danny]

I know that.

[Jordan]

Okay?

[Danny]

I've done that before. So when I was chat. Dbt are reindeer.

[Jordan]

I'm not convinced elves Are not real. If I'm being honest. Arctic and subarctic regions of the Northern hemisphere. Okay, I was right. They are. They really are. They're basically in the North Pole.

[Danny]

They're the same animal as caribou.

[Jordan]

Yes.

[Danny]

The name just depends on where they live. Reindeer, usually domesticated or semi domesticated in Europe and Asia, blah blah blah. They both, male and female, grow antlers. Wait, so you're telling me, but are they the same thing as deer? I can't believe this right now. I'm. I'm like a little. I'm like a little dizzy.

[Jordan]

I'm just. I'm really confused how you thought that reindeer, that. That antler stuck to its head.

[Danny]

I know. That's why I was like a little impressed. I know. I was like, man, what they can do these days with these deer. It's crazy. Wait, I just can't believe reindeer are real.

[Jordan]

Yeah, well, I wish you would have known that because you would have been much more excited to tell Stella about this reindeer.

[Danny]

Well, because I kind of was like. I kind of was like, don't look too close because you might see the glue, you know?

[Jordan]

Yeah. No, it was a real reindeer. They did it right.

[Danny]

Wow, look at them.

[Jordan]

Yeah, look, babe.

[Danny]

But they only live in really cold places. That's why I've never seen one before.

[Jordan]

I wish people could see this picture. This is the giant, most giant set of antlers on this thing's head.

[Danny]

That looks fake. I didn't even want to look too close because I didn't want to lose the magic mice myself, you know? You know like it's like when you don't like, like I remember when I started to question Santa Claus and I remember being like, just don't even go there. Just don't even go there in your brain. Cuz that would be so sad if he didn't come.

[Jordan]

Which.

[Danny]

Do you ever think about the fact like that if you have an older sibling, they got Santa Claus five more years than you did. I always think about that. When did you just think about it? Because they go until the younger. You go till the younger sibling stops believing. So Landon got five more years? Let's just say I stopped believing it when I was 10. They. He was 15 at that point. He got five more years. Santa Claus.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Gosh, the older. That's kind of crazy.

[Jordan]

We. Which part? The reindeers or both?

[Danny]

Honestly, both. Like Stella will get just. I just. It's so unfair.

[Jordan]

I don't. We might. We might only get one more year out of Stella. She's on.

[Danny]

No, because that's the thing is like Santa Claus can't just bring three kids gifts. He has to bring everybody a gift, whether. You know what I mean?

[Jordan]

Like, in the world.

[Danny]

No, I'm saying, like, if Santa Claus stop. I mean, if Stella stops believing, she's still going to get Santa Claus because the other kids believe in Santa Claus. That's my point. So she's going to get like five years out of it that like the other kids.

[Jordan]

Oh, I see what you're saying.

[Danny]

Yeah. That's like, like you're. Do you mean.

[Jordan]

Yeah, yeah. It's poor.

[Danny]

It's a rigged system.

[Jordan]

Poor Summit and baby number four. I'm just saying they're gonna have a very. They're gonna be accountants because of their lack of wonder.

[Danny]

Yeah. They'll probably be like influencers because they're going to need affirmation from the world because. Because they didn't get Santa Claus as much as their siblings.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Does the wife do all the Christmas shopping even for the in laws? Yes, absolutely. Jordan has no idea what he's giving anyone for Christmas. Like, not one thing. Not the one thing. No, you don't know anything. The one thing that, the one thing that you're, you know, that you're giving is to your dad. Because that was the only person I didn't know how to shop for. And I was like, you're responsible for your dad.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

And then I got something for your dad, so.

[Jordan]

Yeah, but I told you.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

And your gift.

[Danny]

Okay.

[Jordan]

Which I wonder if the same, like, logic applies to people who agreed with you in the last fight where it's like, I'm so stressed out about your gift that, like, I can't. But here's all the mental load.

[Danny]

Here's the thing. So I knew that, like, as December, you know, as we got closer to Christmas, that I was going to be so freaking stressed about gifts.

[Jordan]

Oh my gosh. If you had to shop right now.

[Danny]

No, but, but like, give me credit. Give me credit. I literally shopped for Christmas like two months ago. Like, I was prepared. Like, I covered every single person. I didn't even wait till Black Friday to shop because I was like, the discount isn't worth the stress for me. Like, I was like, I would rather pay an extra $10 for that because I know, like, I will be dying inside. So I, I shopped for everyone so early. So. Thank you. You. How do you keep the holidays centered around Jesus in your household? I'll let you answer this one.

[Jordan]

Well, you didn't want to Go to church on Christmas Eve.

[Danny]

I'm kind of like, okay. It's really funny because I. Okay, wait. No, I really think it's true. It's true.

[Jordan]

It's true.

[Danny]

Everybody in our family is like, okay, so we'll go to Christmas Eve or go to church on Christmas Eve. I'm like, no, no, I'm not doing church on Christmas Eve. Like, here's the thing. Church on Christmas Eve is a lot. Okay. It's a lot to pack up, to get everybody dressed up. All the things, the matching outfits, the weather, the parking, the. All this stuff. And I would rather be a family that goes to church every Sunday and then skip Christmas Eve and have good time with the family.

[Jordan]

True.

[Danny]

Than just go to church on Christmas Eve and never go to church. The other. Like, I just don't. Yeah, it's. It's really. I don't really have a good argument. Except for the parking.

[Jordan]

Yeah. This is why we're not Christian influencers. We are influencers that are Christians because we are flawed.

[Danny]

Yeah. And that's why, if you want to feel better about yourself, you can come follow me. And I won't be at Christmas on Christmas Eve and you'll feel better about yourself and be like, I can keep watching her because she sucks.

[Jordan]

She's going to be doing a chili cook off.

[Danny]

That's what I want to do. Chili cook off on. On Christmas Eve. Okay. Sue me. Sorry.

[Jordan]

I would say, like, on a scale of 1 to 10 of how rooted in Jesus are our kids, I would honestly, I'd probably give us like a seven.

[Danny]

Yeah. I would say. I would say an eight.

[Jordan]

Like, they like, no, like, she's like, oh, I can't stop thinking about the witch. Like, I need to talk to Jesus. And I'm like, great.

[Danny]

Yeah. No, and I. I mean, a lot of that's you. Well, I pray with them, like, every single night.

[Jordan]

And shredding every night asked me to pray with him.

[Danny]

Yeah. We always pray. So, like, when we do our, like, I feel like that's like a big thing and then just integrated throughout the day. Whenever I'm like, oh, you boo boo. Like, you need to go ask Jesus to heal it. Because I can't do anything about it. Like, you know.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

And so, yeah, I feel like it's more like an integration. And I think that's why I don't put so much emphasis on, like, a Christmas Eve, like, service, because I'm like, yeah, like, it's. It would be great. Like, it's cool, but it's not Everything. It's not like my kids are gonna be like, believers just because they went to church on Christmas Eve. Like, they're gonna be believers because we, like, infuse it into like, the culture and the small moments, you know? So that's why I don't feel guilty about it, because I'm like, you know, but maybe I should. I'll pray about it.

[Jordan]

Pray about it.

[Danny]

Maybe you'll see me at church on Sunday. On Christmas Eve.

[Jordan]

The pastor comes up. Hey, Danny, listen to the podcast. Let's talk about driving people away from the church on Christmas Eve.

[Danny]

No, y' all should go.

[Jordan]

For sure. Yeah, y' all should go.

[Danny]

Wait, what do you think about Prestonwood?

[Jordan]

Yeah, I know.

[Danny]

Putting on that big.

[Jordan]

Every year they get hate for this.

[Danny]

How much is that? How much do you think that performance is? There's this like, mega church in Dallas that puts on this like, insane, extravagant.

[Jordan]

Like, Christmas, like a Broadway show.

[Danny]

It's like a Broadway show about Christmas. What are your thoughts on that? It gets hate. What's the hate that it gets?

[Jordan]

It gets hate every year because people who don't know Prestonwood are like, they just put it in the umbrella of.

[Danny]

Like, it's like they literally have like Santa Claus, like flying through the air. Like, it's so over the top.

[Jordan]

They say, like non tax paying, you know, entities like churches like, this is where save their money. Yeah.

[Danny]

This is where their money's going.

[Jordan]

But I do think that, like a lot of people for Prestonwood in particular, I'm always like, fine to dunk on mega churches usually. But like, I feel like this is like actually a good thing because I think that it brings people who.

[Danny]

It's like your family gets together.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Like, wouldn't have like. Like I think about friends who are not believers, like, they would go to that show and they would like, hear the gospel and they would like, feel welcome in a church and like, it could. It's like a really good way to get people church.

[Danny]

Yeah, you do.

[Jordan]

Oh, how expensive is it? Oh, that kind of changed my mind a little bit.

[Danny]

Oh, I didn't have to pay for it.

[Jordan]

Oh, yeah, it changed my mind. If it's like 20 bucks, it funds the show. So it's. It's standard ticket is. Is anywhere from $21 to like $60. I think that's fine. Yeah, but I think it's fine if.

[Danny]

You have four kids. It's a lot, but.

[Jordan]

But it's like, not. That's like, it's to cover a little bit more than to going to a movie. Like, could they cover it?

[Danny]

Like, press would cover it.

[Jordan]

But they're in. I think they're an interesting church because they have, like, an older demographic and they're trying to reach younger people. They just hired the porch guy, David Marvin. Yeah. And I was like, kind of like, you know, I think it was, like, a good move for them because they're, you know, he's known for.

[Danny]

I thought they had a lot of young families over there.

[Jordan]

I thought it was an older kind of.

[Danny]

I think so. I think it's like a. I mean, I. It.

[Jordan]

Know anything about it. Yeah, they have both. Both, like, but. But like, their social media presence and like, their. And they have, like, traditional services. Yes, yes, yes, yes. More like blended.

[Danny]

They've been around for a. A long time as, like, a big mega church. So they. Maybe a lot of their demo is, like, older now, right. Older kids. So this is what's so funny about Prestonwood is Prestonwood Church used to be. Do you know, like, that Exxon that is at the corner of, like, Arapaho and Hillcrest, like, where I grew up?

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

It. It used to be the building, like, behind that. And that's where I actually went to Preston Christian Academy. And that's where the church was. It was so small. It's so crazy how. And that's actually where we went, like, we went, like, for a year growing up.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Is that church? And so it's just, like, wild how much it exploded.

[Jordan]

I watched this. This is kind of off topic, but sort of not. I watched this fascinating YouTube video. I should share it out in, like, the links or something. But it was by this guy named Jeremy Pryor, and he talked about why so much so many of the church leaders are failing, and he basically, like, breaks it down into, like, a really methodical culture that's accidentally created of, like, if you are a pastor these days, like, they. The. The churches are setting up these pastors to be super charismatic, like, super good on social media, because they're like, that's how we get people into our church. But they're not giving them any framework of, you know, like, okay, that's really good for the church. But then how do we make sure that you stay grounded and not get too sucked into the fame? And there's like, no accountability in garden. Then. Then they fall. And then the church, like, if you look at, like, case studies, the church wipes their hands clean, brings out their PR agency, distances themselves, finds the next charismatic leader. It's like, really what he was pointing out was Like a really thoughtful.

[Danny]

It's like unbiblical to like just be like, you messed up by. We don't want you here anymore.

[Jordan]

Well, it's like, interesting because, you know.

[Danny]

But you would be so hurt that, like, even if they did invite you back, maybe not to work for them, but like, you know, in some capacity, like, you would just be probably so ashamed that you probably wouldn't feel comfortable going back.

[Jordan]

Well, and I don't know if he offers a solution in the video, but he talks about, you know, just the, the. The dangers of the modern day church because, like the acts church was, you know, it was very relational, very discipleship. Wasn't it?

[Danny]

Like at people's homes.

[Jordan]

Yeah. In by virtue it has to be small because, like a pastor cannot lead a flock of that size.

[Danny]

It's like impossible.

[Jordan]

And so this.

[Danny]

You get colonists to system.

[Jordan]

Yeah. This modern day mega church of like, more, more, more, bigger, bigger, bigger. It's like kind of being done under the disguise of reaching more people for the kingdom. But there's some, like, inherent flaws in the way it's like, designed. That's why it's so cool. That Francis Chan, he was like, literally like, I'm getting too big. And he basically stepped back and was like, I'm gonna go pastor a really small church, I think is what he did. That's like, so like, truly Christlike.

[Danny]

Well, Preston Trout, I mean, sorry, Grant Trout is kind of like the same way.

[Jordan]

Grant?

[Danny]

Yeah. Isn't he like a kid's pastor? Yeah. And he was like, the same way where he was like, like Maddie and him, like, really struggled with, like, what's our purpose within, like, social media and our presence. And I know they have their podcasts and stuff, but they both decided that they wanted to put more of their energy. I think that's when he moved to Waco. They wanted to put more energy into, like, the local ministry than like the online ministry. Because that's like what like God calls us to do. I thought it was like.

[Jordan]

No, that's. Yeah, yeah, exactly.

[Danny]

Because, like, you can. It's so a lot.

[Jordan]

There's just like. I'm not saying it's all bad, but there's a lot of danger in this argument of, like, social media is the boats by which we meet, reach the masses. I think a lot of things are being used. It's just a dangerous game to play.

[Danny]

I know. And it's like, the thing is, there's.

[Jordan]

One church pastor right now, and I'm not gonna say who it is. Like, I think he is on fire. He is so good at social media. He is so good at Twitter. He is like such a good leader in like this generation. But I am just so, so, like, he hasn't done anything wrong. I'm just worried because I'm like, man, I don't want it to like, get to your head.

[Danny]

I know it's hard.

[Jordan]

It's so hard. And if it does, I would be the first to be like, man, I forgive you. Like, give me a hug.

[Danny]

But the, the hard thing is, is like, you post this stuff, you get so much like positive affirmation, but I feel like you're just hitting the people that agree with you, you know? And so it's like, is it even really?

[Jordan]

No, but why he's good. Why he's good is that he's also really good at hitting the people who don't agree with him. And he's. It's a very, it's an art to poke at the people that don't agree with you, but not shame them. Like, he's.

[Danny]

But here's the thing. Do you think that the people that don't agree with him are actually changing their minds because of a video he posted?

[Jordan]

Maybe, Maybe. Okay, maybe.

[Danny]

I mean, I always struggle with. That's cool.

[Jordan]

He's very gifted at it. He's very, very gifted at what he's doing. Very gifted.

[Danny]

Yeah, that's cool. Yeah. I don't know what I think about the press thing. I don't. I. I'm really for anything that's wholesome, that brings people together.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Like, I really am.

[Jordan]

If it's 20 to 60 bucks. If it was like 100 plus.

[Danny]

Yeah. This is especially for like a Christmas thing. But like, that's why I'm also so for Taylor Swift concerts. Like, I just love whenever people can come together and do wholesome things together. And it's like, I love when there's like opportunity to like get your family together. And yeah, it's done by a mega church and they're probably not perfect, but I like that it's like, maybe there's this like family that they have no traditions. Maybe this they have a small family. They have. You know, nobody really cooks in their family and I like that they can have something to look forward to.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

So I, I think it's cool. But. Okay, let's see. How do I get my mom and mother in law to stop buying my kids toys? They don't need more toys. Yeah. I would just probably like ask them to not buy you too many more.

[Jordan]

Toys, they won't listen, but you can ask.

[Danny]

Well, I'll tell a story that we experienced lately that's been killing me too. So my mom bought Stella, like a watch that has a screen. It's kind of like an apple watch for kids and did not consult me before. And that watch, so I like, immediately was like, stella, you can play with it at Coco's house, but like, you cannot have it at our house. Like, we're not giving Stella a screen to play with. And you know, Coco does. I remember, like, when I told my mom this, she's like, oh, Danny, it's fine. And I'm like, but it's not really fine because you don't.

[Jordan]

No, what she actually said was she wanted it.

[Danny]

Yeah, well, she wanted it and she asked me for it. And. And then. But there was one time I was like, mom, this is why we don't do screens. And then she's like, oh, Danny. But I think that what my mom doesn't realize, it's like a different type of screen. Like a handheld screen is different than like a TV that we watched growing up. Like there. I don't know, it's different. And I think our parents don't understand that that's not their fault. But. But that watch has been like the death of me. Like, she asks about it probably every other day. She's like, can I go to Coco's house to play with the watch? To play with the. I'm like, on this trip? She's like, coco's coming. Can she bring the watch? And my mom's like, let me just bring the watch. And I'm like, no, we're not doing that. Like, I don't want this watch at all. But I think the biggest thing, it's so hard because, like, you want to communicate with your mother in law and your mom and you want to tell them like, what your rules are, but they're gonna roll their eyes at you because they don't understand, like, just how things have changed. Like, and it's not their fault, but they're just like when. Whenever I text and I'm like, hey, like, they have to go to bed by 7:30. And they're like, oh, come on, just this one time. I'm like, no, you don't understand. Like, it can't just be this one time because it's. Honestly, even if I say 7:30, they're probably gonna go to bed at 9, you know? And like, it's. It throws off everything for the entire week. And it's like but they look at us and they're like, ugh, she's such an annoying mom. Like, she's so strict or whatever. And so I don't know, I try to do my best to like, explain this all to them and to be like, like heartfelt about it and be like, I know that you guys probably think I'm crazy, but they really need to go to bed by 7:30. Or like, they really. We really cannot do screens. It just like messes up. They get so upset when you take it away. And like, so I try to be like over communicative so they don't think like, we're wild and we're mean or we're just being like, you know, snooty. But. But yeah, it's just really communication, honestly, that's all you can do. Like, we don't need more toys. Maybe like experiences or like an arts and craft would be cool. Like giving like them, like an experience, like taking them, you know, to Michael so that y' all can make a toy or like to decorate a. A picture frame or something. Like, I don't know, stuff like that is always. The experiences are always more fun anyway than the toys.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I agree.

[Danny]

I don't like my church my family goes to on Christmas Eve. Suck it up or do my own thing. Do your own thing.

[Jordan]

Well, don't go.

[Danny]

That's what I did.

[Jordan]

Just don't go. I do a chili cook off.

[Danny]

No, I'm kidding. I don't like the church my family goes to on Christmas Eve. Suck it up or do my own thing.

[Jordan]

Next question.

[Danny]

Well, what would you do?

[Jordan]

What I would. I would do what they want to do. That's just me.

[Danny]

Jordan says go to the Christmas. Go to the church with your family.

[Jordan]

Yeah. I think unless you're trying to pave your own traditions. That's the only justification that I think is like, okay to divide up from family. But like what we do, we're probably.

[Danny]

Gonna have drama about this, by the way.

[Jordan]

About what? This.

[Danny]

Like, because, like your family's going to church on Christmas Eve and they invited us and like, we haven't officially said no. And then we're gonna be like, no, but we're doing HLA cook off. So it's like in a.

[Jordan]

But. But we spent. We. We created our own tradition on Thanksgiving at the lake house and we invited everyone into our tradition. I feel like that's unifying, not divisive.

[Danny]

Okay, but what about Christmas Eve?

[Jordan]

Christmas Eve? I mean, I think it's very fair to. Not for. For expectations. To be set that you can't have both.

[Danny]

What?

[Jordan]

Like, if. If you. If we're having to, like, if it's like your family or my family, like, splitting Thanksgiving and Christmas is very normal. And I think that that's, like, a fair set of expectations.

[Danny]

Okay. Okay. How do you deal with family drama around Christmas time?

[Jordan]

I don't know.

[Danny]

I mean, just pretend didn't happen probably. Like, I don't know.

[Jordan]

Just.

[Danny]

It's hard. We're kind of experiencing it a little bit. Bit.

[Jordan]

Not this year. Last year, maybe.

[Danny]

The funny thing is, is, like, we're about to experience it.

[Jordan]

Why?

[Danny]

Because your mom and dad invite us to do something, and we're going to say no, and then we're not going to see them at all.

[Jordan]

But we invited them to everything.

[Danny]

Yeah, but they're going to go be with Luke and Brooke, so we're not going to see them at all.

[Jordan]

She's literally saying, I think it's fine. She's staying here this weekend with Summit.

[Danny]

Oh, great.

[Jordan]

I'm just like. I'm just saying, like, we. I feel like we do a really good job of trying to be fair and equitable.

[Danny]

Okay.

[Jordan]

I. I will die on that hill that I did my best. I will. I will go to my grave saying, I did my best.

[Danny]

Okay. I mean, I think the best thing is just, like, communication and planning.

[Jordan]

That's my job. And I feel like I kind of have it on lock.

[Danny]

Okay.

[Jordan]

I am behind on my Christmas planning, though.

[Danny]

What's the worst gift you've received but had to pretend you loved? It's a good question.

[Jordan]

I don't really want gifts anymore.

[Danny]

I know. But in the past. Okay. I have something. Like, it's really hard when somebody gives you something that you already have, but then you act like you don't have it. I've done that so many times.

[Jordan]

Yeah.

[Danny]

Like a book. And you're like, really? What's it about? You're like, I've already read this. Or, like, you know, but I'm always like. Or sometimes I'll be like, oh, I already had it. I have this. But I. I'm out of it, so I really needed another one.

[Jordan]

Yeah, I just. I don't know. I just don't want anything.

[Danny]

But you've never been disappointed when it's not about what you want, baby. It's about a gift you've received in the past.

[Jordan]

I would say, like, you're like, everything.

[Danny]

You'Ve ever given me.

[Jordan]

I would say that because I don't want anything. Like.

[Danny]

Majority of what you get. You don't want.

[Jordan]

It's just a burden. I'm like, where am I gonna put this? Like, what am I gonna do with this? I mean, it's very rare. What I like to get is, like, a toy that I can play with on Christmas and then be over it. Like, one time, I think your brother maybe got, like, this, like, remote control plane, and then we all flew it outside.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

And then I crashed into a neighbor's yard. And then I was like, all right, well, I'm over it. It's fine. So I would say something that makes that day better is a great. A great gift. Or genuinely. I'm at that phase where I'm like, I would genuinely appreciate new socks or underwear. I'm like, yeah, cool. It's, like, functional.

[Danny]

I really wanted to buy it anyway.

[Jordan]

Yeah. Because everything else.

[Danny]

But you have to admit, I. The sneakers I get you every year, you love.

[Jordan]

I do love. I wear those a lot. Yes.

[Danny]

And you don't ex. You never expect that.

[Jordan]

Yes. And I have a feeling I got something coming. What I saw there. I wasn't looking at your phone, but it was on the counter, and there was a text that popped up from Raw Kicks.

[Danny]

This is what I'm talking about. I can't do anything right. Literally. I try so hard.

[Jordan]

I was excited.

[Danny]

There's no magic.

[Jordan]

I have no idea what's coming. I'm so excited.

[Danny]

So you're looking through my phone now trying to find out what you got?

[Jordan]

No, no, I don't care. I genuinely was like, I don't want to know. I want to be so, so shocked and surprised when I open up.

[Danny]

I got you a lot of gifts because I. And I'm trying to decide, do you want me to give them all to you for Christmas or wait and give you, like, half Christmas, half birthday? Because his birthday is January 3rd. It took me, like, seven years to remember his birthday is January 3rd, not January 4th. But just so you know, I. I have it down.

[Jordan]

I have a friend. We have a friend who's like, our birthday's a day away from each other, like, January 2nd. And Danny was like, oh, my gosh. Are you coming to Danny's Jordan's birthday on January 4th? And we had been married, like, six years, and he was like, Jordan's birthday is on January 3rd. And I barely talked to him.

[Danny]

I. I don't know why I can never remember his birthday.

[Jordan]

I do that with Stratton. I'm always like. Because it's always like, is it 4:20? It's 4:20. I'm like, okay, 420 is the anchor. Is it the day before, the day after? I'm like, I always think it's the 19th and it's the 21st. But yeah, Dan, know I'm excited for my.

[Danny]

My shoes.

[Jordan]

I don't know what they are.

[Danny]

But the question is, do you want to get half your gifts on your birthday and half on Christmas or all on Christmas? Maybe half and half. So you feel special birthdays.

[Jordan]

Yeah. I don't want you to stress anymore after. After Christmas, which is what, December 25th.

[Danny]

Yeah.

[Jordan]

No more stress.

[Danny]

But your birthday is January 30th.

[Jordan]

No. So what I'm saying is, like, if you gave me all the gifts of Christmas, then you're going to be stressed from the January 25th through January 3rd. About. We're going to get.

[Danny]

Don't think about the stress. What do you want?

[Jordan]

Think. Don't think about the stress. You've made this whole conversation about the stress.

[Danny]

Do you want half on your birthday?

[Jordan]

I want it all on Christmas.

[Danny]

I'll do half on your birthday.

[Jordan]

Okay. I'm sorry. I want it hot. Yeah. Half and half.

[Danny]

Okay, cool. That's what I was thinking.

[Jordan]

Half and half.

[Danny]

Okay. Well, I'm really happy we did this podcast because we didn't make it to any of the segments at all. We never do. Well, thank you guys for listening. Will we see them before Christmas?

[Jordan]

This is last episode.

[Danny]

Oh, Merry Christmas, dude.

[Jordan]

You know what?

[Danny]

I'm sorry for? Every time on my Instagram stories I write Xmas. It's just faster. But Jesus knows my heart.

[Jordan]

Yeah. See you in 2026.

[Danny]

We love you guys. Bye. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.