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Mess Makes Meaning
Caring for young children's spirituality is a delicate balance and can often be made more difficult when we grown-ups don't care for ourselves. Struggling through religious or church related trauma or even feelings of inadequacy when it comes to answering our children's big questions. At Mess Makes Meaning we are here to equip the parents/caregivers to remind them and their children they are deeply loved by interviewing some guests who are professionals in this vital work. With relatable humor from hosts and guests alike, this podcast is for you and created by Godly Play®
Mess Makes Meaning
Christian Holidays with Laura Alary
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In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, we explore the Christian holidays and the rich, complex histories behind them with author Laura Alary. Together, we look at how church traditions have developed over time and how understanding their origins can help us engage more thoughtfully with the stories we’ve been told.
From the rhythms of the summer and winter solstices to familiar questions like “Why are there Easter bunnies?” we reflect on how cultural symbols and seasonal celebrations have shaped the way we mark sacred time. These are the kinds of wonderings children naturally bring to us, and this conversation offers helpful context and language for responding with honesty, curiosity, and care.
Laura Alary invites us to see these questions not as distractions, but as meaningful entry points into deeper learning and connection. By understanding where traditions come from, we are better equipped to walk alongside children as they explore faith, history, and meaning in the world around them.
Join us as we make space for curiosity, history, and wonder—and consider how we can respond to children’s questions in ways that nurture both understanding and imagination.