Hi,,, it's early January,,, is it ok to remove the pups? It's draining my mother plant. I've had this aloe vera for 4 years and last year she set out 2 pups and she's growing downwards now.

You can remove them. But they like to be crouded. Its just the way they grow.
Do you like the mother plant growing downwards ??? Its ok if you do 😎. Personally. I would cut her off. Leaving a couple nodules. She will grow back. The rest of monna will make alot of cuttings.
The pups arnt draining her.
She probably needs her soil to be changed. She's probably all root bound. Trim about quarter to third of roots and some fresh soil and you'll be surprised 😮😁
Carefull on the water afterwards !!!
Have fun !!! 😎😎😎