4 Ways to Let Go of “Perfect” This Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… right??? The holiday season is full of wonder and joy for kids and adults, but sometimes what we don’t see behind the gorgeous decorated tree or the impeccable table scape is the stress and strain that can come with the expectation of a “perfect” holiday.

While enjoying the season is important to many of us as parents, it shouldn’t have to come at the cost of our sanity. The first step is letting go of the idea that we have to have the perfect holiday. What does perfect even look like? Instead of focusing on an unattainable concept, think about what matters most to you and your family during the holiday season. If snuggling lazily on the couch and watching Elf for the hundredth time sounds more fun than baking a dozen cookies, then maybe that’s what you should do.

It sounds easy enough, but the pressure to reach perfection is high this time of year. Keep reading to learn some simple tips on how to make the holiday season a little more merry without all the stress.

4 Ways to Let Go of “Perfect” this Holiday Season

Here are a few tips from expert Abby Withee on how to move past perfection this year and just enjoy the holiday season.

Abby Withee is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Rolling Hills Estates and Redondo Beach. With a focus on mindful practices, Abby works with children, adolescents, adults, and families to address a variety of diagnoses and presenting issues.  For more resources, check out her blog!

Set Your Expectations

Take some time to sit down and write out what a “successful” or “happy” holiday season would look like. Really think about what would bring joy to you and others around you. Is it truly a perfectly cooked meal, or is it more about quality time together? Is it about getting the gift of a year, or making memories that will last far beyond. Be realistic, take into account the things you can’t control (family, weather, illness, etc…) and then…

Let Go

While making your list, as well as during the actual celebrations, actively try to let go of the things you have no control over, the things that don’t go how you wanted them, and the unexpected mishaps. Although things may not have gone how you wanted them, hanging on to the disappointment, anger, or blame (towards yourself or others) will only continue to cast a shadow over your celebration. If something unexpected or unwanted happens, take some time to take care of yourself. You might need a quiet second to yourself to readjust or maybe revisit your expectation list from above. You can take a deep breath and imagine the negativity as leaves floating away on a river or clouds passing by the in sky. Allow them to leave, and if they return just repeat the image.

Your Experience Matters Too

So many of us go so far out of our way to make the holidays special for others that we ourselves are miserable. You matter. Make yourself matter. In the end your family wants to enjoy the time with you and you want to enjoy it with them. If you are completely exhausted, stressed, or cranky this won’t happen. Ask for help, simplify your list, and let go of what isn’t needed so you can enjoy yourself too.

Be Present

In those special moments, really, truly, be there. Smell the scent of the tree, taste the hot cocoa, watch the flames dance on the menorah candles, pay attention to your children’s joy as they open presents, feel the warmth of your cozy socks. Whatever it is, be there for it! Being in the present moment gives our stressed out nervous system a break and also connects us to what is truly important about this season.

Sending Wishes of Peace and Joy for the Season!