In this series, I’d like to explore the question: how do you prepare for the holidays?

If you haven’t stopped to think about it, it may well be worth it as it could be the difference between a good holiday and a bad holiday!

The first topic I’d like to discuss is: dealing with expectations.

But before we talk about how to deal with them, perhaps we should talk how you first become aware of them!

So, let’s think about it. What are the expectations that drive you around the holidays?

You may want to break this question down further and ask the following:

What are the societal or cultural expectations of how my holidays are supposed to go?

What are my family’s expectations about the holidays?

What are my own expectations about the holidays?

This is important because so often we as people function based upon expectations that don’t even originate in our own desires.

For example, you may be feeling pressure to host or to conduct the holidays in a specific way around family.

Yet, what if deep down – you’d rather not host OR you’d rather delegate some things to others?

Or, you may think you have to be around family around the holidays.

Yet, what if deep down, you realize you need a bit of space from family, particularly if you’ve found their behavior difficult to be around or toxic?

Or, you may think that you have to go out and buy all these gifts or engage in excessive amounts of spending/event planning because otherwise, “the holidays just wouldn’t be the same.”

Yet, what if you want to keep things a bit simpler?

Know that I’m not trying to tell you what to do…I’m asking questions to hopefully help stir awareness and insight that may lead to meaningful change so YOU can have a healthier, better holiday season:)

Practical Tips to Consider:

Take time to stop and THINK about answers to these questions about expectations prior to the holidays.

Take time to WRITE OUT desires you have for the holidays and engage in a discussion with your family about what some of their desires are as well.

PRIORITIZE your holidays around that which you find most important based upon your values.

In conclusion, whatever you do, take responsibility for your holidays and take time to consider you and your family’s desires – especially the ones that line up with your values – rather than simply becoming a tool to live out the expectations of society, family, and others around you.

Happy Holidays,

Sean