Don’t Wish For a Perfect Christmas
What exactly is a perfect Christmas?
This question often leads us to wonder how we form such an ideal image in our minds.
More importantly, does a "perfect" Christmas even exist?
The first things that typically come to mind are commercials and movies. Commercials are designed to manipulate us into purchasing items under the guise of increasing our happiness. Movies, on the other hand, are created for our entertainment. They portray an idealized version of Christmas that is often far from reality.
However, influenced by these mediums, we strive to replicate these unattainable images in our own lives. We obsess over having a perfectly decorated house, the ideal gifts, flawless outfits, and the dream family, complete with a well-behaved dog.
But what happens when things don’t go as planned? The roast potatoes might burn, a thoughtless comment from a relative stings, and the dog might not be as well-behaved as we hoped. These small mishaps can lead to a sense of disappointment, overshadowing the joy of the season.
So, how can we avoid this disappointment and ensure a relaxing, joy-filled holiday? The answer lies in three key strategies:
defining what’s important to you
accepting reality and
embracing the beauty in imperfection.
For me, Christmas is about the opportunity to slow down. I cherish the week-long break, which allows me to sleep in, watch movies, enjoy leisurely walks, and prepare delicious meals for my loved ones. It’s a time for meaningful interactions, not about buying presents that will eventually be forgotten or engaging in forced merriment.
Accepting reality means seeing things as they truly are. It's about understanding that spending excessive time with family can sometimes be challenging, that you might forget to buy cranberry sauce, or that your kids might complain about limited phone time. It's about acknowledging and accepting these minor imperfections.
When you view your life with clarity and accept its imperfections, you can genuinely say, “I love my perfectly imperfect life.” This life is yours; you've chosen it, and you possess the power to change it if you desire.
This holiday season, I encourage you to embrace the imperfection. Find joy in the burnt potatoes, laugh off the awkward comments, and cherish the time spent with family, even if it's not picture-perfect. Remember, the beauty of the holiday season lies not in achieving perfection, but in celebrating the unique, messy, and wonderfully imperfect moments that make our lives ours.
So, have a wonderful, messy, and perfectly imperfect holiday!
Ho Ho Ho!
