Here is my golden rule: My IDEAL is not Your IDEAL. In this age of Instagram and other forms of social media, it is so easy to get depressed during this holiday season. We see so many pictures of the “perfect” family, and we say to ourselves, “I sure wish my family could have that much fun.” We are envious of midnight pajama parties with eggnog, big screen TVs and Christmas eve engagements. Those are the images people will be posting over the next few days. They will post the absolute best of what is going in their lives. It is normal to feel a little less than when it looks like everyone else is “ballin” out, and you are trying to figure out what to do with your crazy drunk uncle who you know is going to act a fool when he shows up.
The holidays aren’t all perfectly cooked turkeys and sweet potato pies for many of us. Some of us are on tight budgets, we have lost relatives, or we are vegetarians in a family full of carnivores. Listen, don’t get in over your head this time of year trying to keep up with all the stuff you see others doing on social media or TV. Don’t go into debt trying to impress others or even your kids. Do the Christmas that you can afford and that won’t leave you stressed on edge when the credit card bill comes do.
Don’t try to pretend you are Rachel Ray and make everyone sick with bad cooking. Get some help or order from your local grocery store (I won’t tell if you transfer the food to your own dish to make it seem homemade). Hey, we all have our gifts. If yours isn’t cooking, don’t be ashamed. Find other ways to contribute.
Be yourself and let your friends and family enjoy the real you, do you. That will put you one step closer to living your IDEAL life.
This holiday season I am sharing 12 short holiday posts to help you and yours get through this season with a little bit of joy and happiness intact. Many find the holiday season warm and inviting, but others get caught up in the hype of the season and even fall into the envy trap of comparing our lives to the lives of others. I would encourage you to create your own traditions and norms this time of the year. Don’t worry if the activities of your family or friends don’t match those of others. Be happy and define what works for you and yours.
Want more? Order a copy of my book on Amazon. It makes a great stocking stuffer, and it may just help someone you love or care for start living their IDEAL life.
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