I hope you’ve been able to celebrate with friends and family these past few days. For my family and I, late December is a time to slow down and remember together the birth of our saviour, Jesus Christ. As regular Dads4Kids contributor Kurt Mahlburg wrote so beautifully this week in “Unto You — Even You! — a Child is Born”:

“This Christmas, pause to remember the shepherds who heard the news of the Christ child’s birth. Recall that God sent his saviour into the world for everyday people. Yes, even the most ordinary among us have been welcomed into the greatest story ever told.”

Christmas, Rest and Reflection

In years past, my wife Jodi and I would cram all our Christmas celebrations into one massive day. We’d start early on the 25^th December with presents, race to church, join her family for lunch and then hurry to catch up with the Marsh clan for dinner. Pre kids, it kind of worked, but with our growing gaggle of daughters in tow, the day often descended into chaos.

At some point, someone (probably my wife) had the bright idea to spread the celebrations out a bit. These days, the growing Marsh clan celebrate together on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day we do our own thing as a family – our younger daughters still wake early, but I can usually catch a dad nap in the afternoon, something I’m enjoying more and more. And on Boxing Day, we celebrate Christmas with my wife’s family.

It’s a big but wonderful three Christmas holy days, and a time I look forward to every year.

Everyone’s different but find what works for your family. For those with younger kids, spreading things out over multiple days to minimise travel and lengthy events can work well. If your kids are older and perhaps live far away, consider rotating Christmas hosting responsibilities each year, with the input of any in-laws of course.

For me, the days following Christmas are a time for rest and reflection on the year that was. 2025 has been a big year for both Dads4Kids and my family. In many ways, it’s been a year of new beginnings.

New Beginnings in 2025

In early August, I was honoured to take on the role of leading Dads4Kids. As I wrote at the time, “It’s a challenge to express how thankful I am for my parents, Dads4Kids’ amazing founders Warwick and Alison Marsh. Not only have they set a great example for my siblings and me, and their grandchildren, but their service to men and families across Australia, and the world, over decades is indescribable.”

The work of Dads4Kids continues with fresh energy and I’m so thankful for all that we’ve achieved together in 2025. A massive THANK YOU to all our amazing supporters, the Dads4Kids Board, and all those who have contributed to the mission of building men, growing fathers, and changing generations in 2025.

My family and I moved house, twice, this year too. Not something I would recommend, but we’re now in a place that offers some wonderful opportunities for both our family and Dads4Kids. Watch this space!

Next Courageous Course: Don’t Miss It!

Thanks to amazing Dads4Kids volunteer Rob Day and a team of fantastic facilitators, our next Courageous Online Fathering Course gets underway in late January this New Year. Find out more about the course by watching our new video below. It’s a wonderful opportunity to up-skill as a dad and commit to making positive changes in your life and that of your family.

I’ve been a Courageous Course participant countless times and thousands of dads have now completed the 10-week course. Dads from all walks of life describe it as “life-changing”, “foundation building”, and a great source of fathering “tips and tricks”.

As Jordan says in the video above, it’s “an intentional way to get s#!t of your chest, catching up with the guys every week.” I’ve seen first-hand the power of men making positive changes in their lives. As Peter says in the video, “It really is rewarding.”

As we head into 2026, the heart of Dads4Kids continues to beat strong with fresh energy and new opportunities. I’m excited for the year ahead and look forward to continuing our great work of encouraging fathers to help their children be the best they can be. Thank you for your support as Dads4Kids continues to serve fathers and families in the year ahead. 

Lovework

Seize the opportunity for a new beginning this new year. If you’re a new dad, a more experienced dad, a single dad, or a grandad, you’re invited to be part of Dads4Kids Courageous Online Fathering Course. The next course starts Tuesday evening 27^th January 2026. Click here to find out more.

Through the power of peer-to-peer learning, the course will help take your fathering to the next level. You’ll be encouraged, challenged, and inspired to be the best dad you can be. Register today!

Yours for new beginnings, 

Nathaniel Marsh

P.S. I’m so thankful for those who support Dads4Kids as we continue building men, growing fathers, and changing generations. If you’re encouraged by our work and would like to see Dads4Kids continue well into 2026, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis.

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Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.