Episode 15: Navigating the Holidays When They Don’t Look Like a Hallmark Movie
In this heartfelt and reflective final episode of 2025, host Angela Vanderpool of Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This sits down—solo—to talk honestly about something we all feel but rarely say out loud: sometimes the holidays just… don’t feel magical.
And that’s okay.
When you’re caring for an aging parent, juggling changing traditions, or coping with loss, the holiday season can feel less like a Hallmark movie and more like an emotional obstacle course. Angela invites you into a warm, honest conversation about what it means to show yourself grace, redefine connection, and find meaning even when the season looks different than it used to.
She explores:
- How to honor the past while embracing new traditions
- Ways caregivers can relieve holiday pressure
- Why grief often resurfaces this time of year
- Small mindset shifts that bring peace and grounding
- How to let go of “perfect” and lean into “authentic”
With her signature compassion and gentle humor, Angela offers encouragement for anyone navigating a holiday season that feels tender, complicated, or bittersweet.
Episode Information
Company Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Host: Angela Vanderpool
Podcast Name: Hey Mom, We Never Prepared For This
Podcast Description:
Welcome to Hey Mom, We Never Prepared for This, a podcast dedicated to adult children navigating the emotional, practical, and often overwhelming realities of caring for aging parents. Hosted by Senior Living expert and Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist Angela Vanderpool, each episode provides heartfelt insight, practical tools, and compassionate support to guide you through the caregiving journey.
Podcast URL: https://heymompodcast.com
Sponsor Name: Dharma Healthcare Management
Sponsor URL: https://www.dharmahealthcare.net/en/
NMLS Numbers: Not Applicable
Licensing Information: Not Applicable
Address: 4701 SW Admiral Way #174 Seattle, WA 98116
Contact Number: 541.280.3786
Contact Email: angela@whisperingwinds.info
Social Media Links:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1169776351379932
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heymom-weneverpreparedforthis
Hashtags:
#CaregivingJourney #AgingParents #SeniorCareSupport #DementiaCare #FamilyCaregiver #CaregiverSupport #EndOfLifeCare #AssistedLivingHelp #GriefRecovery #HeyMomPodcast #AngelaVanderpool #CaregivingCommunity #ElderCareAdvice #NavigatingAging #PodcastForCaregivers #ParentCare #AdultChildrenCaregivers #SeniorLivingExpert #CompassionateCare #CaregivingTips
