Episode 11 Making Christmas Magical w/o Losing Your Mind! with Rebecca McDonagh aka @mathwithmissmcd

Episode 11: Making Christmas Magical-Without Losing Your Mind (with Becca McDonagh of @mathwithmissmcd) Guest: Becca McDonagh — Teacher, Mom of Two, Author of Math to the Music (Grades 4 and 5) coming out in spring of 2026, and Creator of MathWithMissMcD on instagram. Welcome back to a very festive episode of MomsWork! I’m your host, Kristin Weinrich — mom of two, 4th-grade teacher, and currently knee-deep in wrapping paper, cookie crumbs, and a to-do list longer than Santa’s. Let’s be honest: I’d love to tell you to curl up with hot cocoa by the fire while listening…but you’re probably wrapping presents in a panic while watching a Hallmark movie. Wherever you are and whatever version of “Christmas magic” you’re living today, I’m so glad you’re here. About Today’s Guest Joining me is someone who understands the December juggle better than almost anyone: Becca McDonagh — mom of two, fellow teacher, upcoming author of her debut book releasing May 2026, and the brilliant comedic mind behind @mathwithmissmcd on Instagram. If you’ve ever laughed at one of her reels decoding student name mysteries or survived a mid-December classroom meltdown with the help of humor… you already know why I’m fangirling. Today, we’re talking about how to create holiday magic for our families and ourselves — without the pressure, perfectionism, or losing your sanity in the Christmas chaos. In This Episode, We Chat About: Getting to Know Becca How parenting has helped her navigate tricky moments in the classroom The best compliment someone can give her Her biggest challenge as a working mom Wins & Challenges of the Week We each share: One small (or big!) victory worth celebrating One challenge that reminded us we’re all human and all doing our best Holiday Magic… the Realistic Version Becca’s favorite classroom holiday activities What “holiday magic” actually means to her Childhood traditions that shaped the way she celebrates now What Christmas is like in Florida — and how it compares to colder places Traditions she keeps, and the ones she’s let go of for sanity’s sake Managing the stress of shopping, cooking, and family gatherings Boundaries she’s learned to set during the holidays How (and whether!) she involves her kids in the magic The small traditions that bring the biggest joy What she hopes her kids remember most Her one piece of advice for moms feeling overwhelmed this season Hot Seat A fun rapid-fire round to wrap things up! Where to Find Becca Instagram: @mathwithmissmcd Facebook: Rebecca McDonagh Her upcoming book Math to the Music (Grade 4 and 5) arrives May/June 2026 — stay tuned! Thanks for Listening! Thank you for joining us for this cozy-chaotic, festive conversation on keeping holiday magic alive while still giving yourself the opportunity to enjoy it, too. Be sure to: ⭐ Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram & Facebook ⭐ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts ⭐ Like, share, and leave a review to help other moms find the show Wishing you a holly jolly Christmas and a jingle-bell-rockin’ New Year!