What This Year Taught Me: A Christmas Reflection with Amanda Barker
In this Christmas episode of Her Layered Life, I’m sharing the traditions, memories, and shifts that have shaped our family over the years. With eight kids, every season looks different, and I’ve learned that the heart of Christmas isn’t found in matching pajamas or perfect plans—it’s found in connection.
I talk about how our family moved from piles of presents to meaningful experiences, the “one-present rule” that saved my December sanity, and why our St. George trips and Temple Square nights have become anchors in our family story.
Then I bring on Bailee, who shares her family’s sweetest tradition—Christmas Eve video interviews they’ve recorded for over 40 years. After she explains it, she surprises me with my own “interview,” and we walk through my year: travel highs, a record-breaking basketball season, Charlie’s backyard wedding, Halftee’s rebuilding journey, and what God has taught me through it all.
If you’re craving a softer, simpler, more intentional Christmas this year, this episode will feel like an exhale.
Sponsored by Halftee
This episode is sponsored by Halftee, the perfect modest layering tee. I’m wearing the Ruched Sleeve Halftee under my maxi dress—lightweight coverage without bulk or heat. Use HERLAYEREDLIFE for 15% off at https://halftee.com/
In This Episode, I Share:
How our Christmas traditions have changed as our kids have grown
Why we pivoted to experience-based holidays (yes, including a “ghetto cruise”)
How simplifying to one meaningful gift made Christmas joyful again
Our favorite traditions: St. George trips, ping-pong showdowns, and Temple Square lights
How Bailee’s family interview tradition became a heartfelt episode structure
My year-in-review: travel to Taiwan, Japan, Greece, Barcelona, Glacier & more
Our best basketball season yet and the joy (and chaos) of planning a backyard wedding
Halftee’s rebuilding season and how it strengthened my faith
The mantra that carried me
What I'm Carrying Into Next Year
My beloved Halftee balloon pants
A stronger testimony of Jesus Christ
A commitment to create, not compare
Confidence that my journey is uniquely guided