We pay tribute to a few characters we identified with as kids and one who speaks more to our current parenting identity.

The future's so bright, we've gotta watch televised sports, renovate our home, and publish books. 

In this holiday week, we're focusing on happy things, like having family around us, and maybe having podcasting friends around us too.

Your road map to this week's entertainment-themed episode:

00:35 The Good Place: It's season 2! Hang onto your hats, lest you drown in a chowder fountain.

11:57 The West Wing: We still can't explain the title of "Arctic Radar," but enjoyed this episode for the Will Bailey/Toby Ziegler scenes (and President Bartlet's parking-ticket-related meltdown). Mentioned: The West Wing Weekly podcast.

22:10 Challenge Round: The Big Family Cooking Showdown: Catherine challenged Terri to watch this show from The Great British Bake-off family of cozy, friendly competitive cooking shows, and it's just as soothing as you would expect.

For next week, Terri challenged Catherine to read The Revolution Was Televised by Alan Sepinwall. We'll also watch the remaining three episodes of The Good Place that remain prior to its prime-time return on January 4 ("The Trolley Problem," "Janet and Michael," "Derek"). But no West Wing, as the West Wing Weekly podcast will be off.

Merry Christmas! Today, we're flashing back to a holiday episode that first aired on December 16, 2016.

06:02 'Tis the Season -- Family traditions rule this time of year, but sometimes they change with time and sometimes new members (or overzealous teachers) make for new rituals.

21:37 Speed Round: Wishful Wishing -- Wouldn't you really love to find a nice nap all wrapped up for you?

25:16 Parenting Roundabout Roundup -- Terri is still digging Apple Music; Catherine's excited to be able to download stuff from Netflix; and Nicole is all about that Panera Bread app.

29:30 Interview of the Week -- On our monthly visit with Robert Rummel-Hudson (author of Schuyler's Monster), the topic under discussion is protest fatigue. (For more of Rob's thoughts on the subject, and a link to Schuyler's video mentioned in our conversation, read his post on Support for Special Needs.)

46:43 Shameless Self-Promotion -- Terri suggests you go check out the Friendship Circle blog; Nicole gave away books on inclusion by Julie Causton on her Inclusive Class website; and Catherine shares holiday-themed games for kids.

Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music. If you're reading this somewhere without hyperlinks, come to http://parentingroundabout.com for the full recap experience.

It's the most gift-wrappy time of the year. Do you play it fast and easy or take a little time to wrestle with rolls of paper?

Decorate with them? Make crafts with them? Let them collect in a pile on the table and leave them there until March?

We know we shouldn't be turning to food to make us feel better, but ... mashed potatoes are delicious. And warm bread. And ketchup chips. And Cheez-Its. Excuse us, but we're going to go raid the kitchen right now.

Your road map to this week's entertainment-themed episode:

00:48 The Good Place: The twist at the end of season 1 was every bit as good as we hoped, even though we knew it was coming. Mentioned: This video of the reveal to the cast.

10:35 The West Wing: "Swiss Diplomacy" was ... an episode that happened. Mentioned: The West Wing Weekly podcast, with great insights this week from a writers' room insider and a real White House staffer.

17:07 Challenge Round: Moana: Terri challenged Catherine to rectify her error (not seeing this movie when it came out last year). It's a delightful, girl-powered adventure with fun music; what's not to love?

For next week, Catherine challenged Terri to taste the premiere episode of The Big Family Cooking Showdown (available on Netfllix). We'll also watch the first four episodes of The Good Place, season 2: "Everything Is Great!", "Dance Dance Resolution," "Team Cockroach," and "Existential Crisis." Plus, West Wing's "Arctic Radar" (season 4, episode 10).

00:30 Holiday Prep: Let's just say we're not the type of people who buy all their Christmas gifts in July.

06:42 Self-Care: Our methods may not be conventional, but we discover we're kind of good at self-care, as long as it takes ten minutes or less. Mentioned: last week's "issues" podcast, Sandbox coloring app, "How to Treat Yourself Without Spending Money or Eating Junk" on Lifehacker.

22:50 Monday Speed Round: Words of Wisdom: A Facebook post from Susan Adcox inspired us to come up with pithy advice (four words or less). "Listen to our podcast" works!

28:27 Roundabout Roundup: Smart plugs, The 2017 Hater's Guide to the Williams-Sonoma Catalog, and Devin Dawson's upcoming album (as well as this T.Swift mashup he did with Louisa Wendorff).

36:39 Shameless Self-Promotion: Resources for Inclusive Education on LiveBinders; Special Needs Christmas Carols; Must-Have Toys for Babies.

Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music. If you're reading this somewhere without hyperlinks, come to http://parentingroundabout.com for the full recap experience.