Setting Realistic Expectations

The Thanksgiving holiday filled with family and great food has come and gone. We didn't even have time to step away from the table before the onslaught of Christmas commercials began. It would be nice if they would allow us a few days to savor the memories of Thanksgiving.

It's not surprising that people start to feel stressed, or have negative thoughts about Christmas. Retailers and advertisers present us with images of what they perceive as the "perfect" Christmas. Unfortunately it's not a realistic view.

Nobody should feel pressured to purchase what they can't afford. Your home can be beautifully decorated with a few simple things; it doesn't have to look like the pages in a magazine. Remember, those homes are professionally decorated with an unlimited budget.

Giving gifts can bring us joy when we see the faces of our loved ones as they open them. Even though we don't want our children or grandchildren disappointed, we also have to be realistic and stay within a budget.

We all should be able to enjoy Christmas without creating undue stress. Here are a few tips for keeping expectations reasonable:

  • Whatever you do to decorate your home, make it a family event with Christmas music and hot chocolate with marshmallows.
  • If there is something you truly enjoy doing for the holiday take the time to do it. Maybe you love to bake, or even spending an afternoon watching heartwarming Christmas movies. Do what you love and don't feel guilty for doing it.
  • Give gifts because you want to and only purchase what you can afford. Not entering the new year in debt can help you enjoy your holiday.
  • Start a tradition with your family of giving to others in some way. Contributing gifts, food or money is nice, but helping at a food bank or soup kitchen will teach your children what it truly means to give to those less fortunate.
  • Christmas is on December 25th, but remember you can celebrate it on another day. Trying to get everyone together in one place, for one day, can certainly raise anxiety levels. Having more than one Christmas celebration can be great fun and less stressful.

Feel free to use these tips, or find your own holiday stress relievers. If we set realistic expectations, we will truly enjoy Christmas with our families.



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