Have yourself an imperfectly perfect little Christmas...
The art of letting go to welcome things in
Hey lovely you,
There’s something about Christmas that brings out the perfectionist in most of us.
Even if we have learned to let go of the idea of things being perfect in other areas of life, once a year, along comes Christmas to bit us on the bum.
There are many reasons why this is so.
Cultural expectations and the media for one. Adverts and brands show us an idealised version of this time of year, filled with amazing meals, immaculate interiors, big, fluffy trees and the classic happy family, matching PJs and all. As individuals, we also perpetuate this as ever, by only sharing our ‘best bits’ of our own Christmas.
We have emotional attachments to Christmas, often stemming back to our own childhoods and a strong pull to keeping with traditions, doing things as they have always been done, unrealistic as that might be and whether, if we stopped to think, we want to or not.
We also get hooked into our needs to make Christmas a wonderful experience for everyone else, to make sure loved ones have everything they need and want and that people are not disappointed.
And if for emotional, family related reasons, Christmas feels overwhelming, too much emotion, we can use perfectionism as a way of managing the stress and anxiety we might be feeling.
But what if letting go with perfection could actually make your Christmas actually better, more fun, more magical?
What if by stepping back from the endless planning and strategising, we allowed for ways in which spontaneity can take a hold, where flexibility can lead to a better outcome, with less stress?
What kind of relief might be found some years in just accepting that Christmas could be hard, sad or frustrating and ending the struggle against that so that you can dance with whatever good things DO appear?
By setting more realistic expectations (because despite all our hard work, it never IS perfect) and recognising that a bit of chaos and lack of structure might work out better, by prioritising the things that really matter over having the right tree, the latest recipes, handmade cards and the rest of it, we can focus time and effort on what we DO really want. Anything that feels stressful or overwhelming can be let go. No one cares if you made your own cake buyt they do care if you’re too frazzled to enjoy a slice with them.
Just because it’s Christmas, you don’t have to be happy either. You might have legitimate reasons as to why you are not that no amount of tinsel can cover up.
Christmas to me is simply about connection with loved ones, taking time to relax in simplicity, time to end the year with reflection, love and perhaps a bit of magic.
It’s silly board games, afternoon baths, too much chocolate, inventive leftover meals, nostalgic movies, early nights and days where I don’t get out of my jammas.
Whatever an imperfectly perfect Christmas is to you, if you search your heart beyond your inner perfectionist, you’ll find what it is that you really want too.
Tell me in the comments THREE things that make an imperfectly perfect Christmas for you, I’d love to know!
Treat Yourself
If you’d like some support in having a more calm, joyful and easy Christmas time, do consider getting my All is Calm - an advent of self care. It has 24 entries, one a day covering a wide range of topics including natural mood boosters, delegation, finding time for yourself, handling grief, navigating family drama and more.
Every day you can take a little time for yourself and as well as the letters from me, there are a number of other festive treats too.
You can have the calendar as part of my paid membership which you can upgrade to for £7.50 a month (cancel anytime) or you can buy it in my website shop. Links below!
It will be sent out on Sunday 1 December, early in the morning for you to start enjoying with a cosy cuppa :)
Get your calendar here
With love,
Sarah x
PS if you’d like the calendar but funds are tight please send me a message, no explanation needed and I’ll comp you a month’s membership for free. My imperfect gift to you.