...is to manage your expectations. Of course, that's true of a lot of things, but it seems particularly applicable during the holiday season. Maybe that's because we tend to have a lot of emotions (positive or otherwise) associated with this time, as well as our own personal and family history. Plus, this year, the state of the economy might not allow us to meet our holiday dreams.
What tends to do people in during the holidays are what I call "the shoulds": I should be able to find the perfect gift for everyone (on sale!), I should produce the wittiest holiday newsletter my clients have ever seen, I should find the time to bake these 10 dozen cookies for the company potluck.
What often goes unexamined is that within each "should" is an element of judgment and, usually, shame. What a cruel irony that a time of year intended for celebration and joy has turned into such a handy tool for us to beat ourselves up with!
I'd like to suggest that the next time you find yourself with a case of the holiday "shoulds" that you try to embrace the imperfection that is unique to every holiday season. If it helps (and you're of that faith), try to think of the events that precipitated Christmas and Hannukah. Neither of them occurred in an optimal fashion, but miracles happened nonetheless.
And, as we've discussed here before, perfectionism does nobody any favors, and that applies even more during the holidays. Oftentimes, we find the most joy in unexpected places as long as we're open to it.
So if you can, try to give yourself a break from unreasonable expectations this holiday season. After all, Santa only cares if you're naughty or nice... and that includes being nice to yourself.
haha i like the pics you posted with this it made me laugh a lil
Posted by: debt reduction | 12/07/2009 at 12:13 PM