Episode Overview

Podcast: Unashamed with the Robertson Family
Episode: 1235 – "The Robertson Wives Spill All the Secret Family Christmas Traditions"
Date: December 23, 2025
Host(s): Jay, Al, Zach, with guests Lisa, Missy, and Jill

In this festive episode, the Robertson family—joined by their wives—share the inside scoop on all their quirky, heartfelt, and faith-centered Christmas rituals. The conversation weaves humor, nostalgia, and spiritual encouragement as they reminisce, joke, and discuss how family traditions have evolved across generations. Listeners are invited into the heart of West Monroe for candid stories, touching memories, and the honest, laughter-filled chaos that is a Robertson holiday.

Main Discussion Themes

The Beauty and Chaos of Robertson Family Christmases

Key Points:

• The Robertson wives (Lisa, Missy, Jill) join for a special Christmas episode.
• Early banter pokes fun at Zach's recent illness and the comedic dynamic between spouses.
• The group highlights the unpredictability and joy of Robertson family gatherings.

Memorable Quotes:

• "Did you say the women's presence? Presence or presents?" — Zach (01:21)
• "I didn't see the Christmas episode starting at this particular place. But that's the beauty of it." — Jay (05:01)

Unconventional Christmas Gag Gifts

Key Points:

• Presentation and laughter over an oversized "Forever Roll" toilet paper gag gift, sparking humorous commentary about branding and culture.
• Robertson matriarch Kay is famous for creative gag gifts—sometimes so good they become new traditions.
• Gifts turn into illustrations about faith, eternity, and even product marketing!

Segment Timestamps:

• [07:33–12:30] Gag gift reveal and discussion

Notable Quotes:

• "This is called the Forever Roll." — Jill (09:04)
• "If you experience what Zach experienced, this might come in handy. Literally." — Jill (11:28)

Establishing and Evolving Christmas Traditions

Key Points:

• The family explores how their own traditions have changed—from childhood through parenthood to grandparenthood.
• Traditions like Christmas morning routines, homemade meals, roundtable family storytelling, and spiritual reflection anchor their holidays.
• Encouragement to listeners: Traditions don't have to be perfect or long-held—they can start or change any time, suited to each family's stage of life.

Segment Timestamps:

• [12:08–15:49], [40:09–54:32]

Notable Quotes:

• “You can start a tradition anytime. It doesn’t have to be something you’ve done forever. You can start it today.” — Al (50:46)
• “There’s something special about celebrating with just your core family.” — Missy (41:37)
• "Every family has to figure out what works for them." — Missy (41:00)

Experiencing and Passing Down Spiritual Moments

Key Topics:

• Jay recounts orchestrating a surprise worship experience for Missy: a Charity Gayle concert, turning a present into a shared spiritual encounter.
• Backstage with Charity’s band, Missy is moved to tears, leading an impromptu encouragement and prayer session.
• Emphasis on authentic worship and the way faith, music, and family collide for unforgettable memories.

Segment Timestamps:

• [15:49–33:53]

Memorable Moments & Quotes:

• "I don't know why I'm crying." — Missy (25:17)
• "You can tell when someone is real. And they’re being led by the Lord to do this.” — Missy (24:27)
• "When worship is done well...the person who's participating gets to just bask in it and enjoy it and not have to think about it." — Missy (31:33)

New Generations, New Traditions

Key Points:

• Discussion of Max’s (Jay and Jill’s son) engagement and how new couples are shaping their own holiday routines.
• The importance of letting married children (and grandchildren) start traditions in their own homes, even if it shifts the “main event” to another day.
• Warm affirmation of flexibility and intentional time together, rather than rigid expectations.

Segment Timestamps:

• [33:53–40:09]

Quotes:

• “I’ve prayed for who he would marry...and to know he’s chosen a woman that loves the Lord with all her heart really is just the greatest blessing.” — Jill (38:20)

The Legendary Robertson Family Sabbatical

Key Points:

• Zach and Jill's new post-Christmas "Sabbath trip" tradition: immediate family only, putting away phones for rest, prayer, and conversation.
• Designed to bring renewal and keep the focus on God and each other after a busy December.

Segment Timestamp:

• [49:03–53:02]

Quotes:

• “You can start a tradition anytime...It doesn’t have to be forever.” — Al (50:46)
• “We put up our phones, and we just rest with one another, and have deep conversations.” — Al (51:27)

Honoring Family—And Small Acts That Matter Most

Key Points:

• The roundtable “favorite memory of the year” started by daughter Mia—now a cherished ritual.
• Family is sometimes about compromise, changes, and respecting each stage of life.
• Lisa’s “gentle but insistent” reminders: if you live close, you show up. Period.

Segment Timestamps:

• [54:32–57:52]

Quotes:

• “If you live in this town with us, then I expect your little behinds to be at our gathering.” — Lisa (57:40)
• “For us to just go, “Ah, you know, it’s just family.” No excuse for that.” — Lisa (54:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I hate Tom Hanks. Christmas—anything associated with—I hate Tom Hanks. I hate it all.” — Zach (04:52) (on catching a stomach bug during a Polar Express-themed trip)
• "Our culture tends to persecute people who put their faith, and yet they use the principles that are only found in the Bible, like 'forever.'" — Jill (09:09)
• “She actually answered a question I had, because I was gonna text her and say, did you happen to video that? Blackmail.” — Jill (06:53)
• “Raise up the intensity about three lines.” — Jill (31:29) (joking about Missy's passion for worship)

Family Traditions: Timeline & Evolution

Growing Up:

• All-day Christmases split between both sets of grandparents
• Waffles, pancakes, and sacred “kids in pajamas” routines

Young Marrieds:

• Negotiating time with in-laws vs. nuclear family
• New home traditions: special meals, music, gift exchanges

Current Season (Grandkids, Married Children):

• Accepting not being together on the “main day”—celebrating when possible
• Grandkids start their own traditions; intentional time matters most
• “Sabbath” trip after Christmas (phones away, just family, reflection time)
• Roundtable storytelling of most memorable moments each year

Reflections on Faith and Family

• Family worship and spiritual conversations are core to who the Robertsons are—public and private.
• Humor and authenticity drive their interactions, but everything circles back to gratitude for Christ and the bond of family.
• Listeners are encouraged to appreciate their own families, start new traditions, and prioritize togetherness and faith over perfection.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:15-05:01: Opening banter, introduction of wives, “sick day” stories
• 07:33-12:30: Gag gift revelation, laughter about branding and faith
• 15:49-33:53: Jay’s surprise concert for Missy, spiritual moments backstage, passing down musical faith
• 40:09-54:32: How traditions evolve—stories from child-raising, adapting with adult children
• 49:03-53:02: Robertson “Sabbath trip” tradition
• 54:32-57:52: Lisa preaches the importance of showing up for family; final reflections

Final Thoughts

This episode embodies the “unashamed” approach of the Robertsons: raw honesty, abundant laughter, and a deep commitment to faith and family. Through changing traditions, growing families, and the unpredictable chaos of real life, the Robertsons find meaning—and joy—in every seasonal celebration.

"We love you. We hope you not only have a Merry Christmas, but a great New Year as well." — Jay (58:03)

For listeners, this episode is an authentic invitation to cherish what matters most this season: family, faith, and a hearty sense of humor.