Many people express their dissatisfaction with the holiday season, and I think I understand why. After 45 years filled with disappointment, I’ve stumbled upon a vital truth: the key to enjoying the holidays aligns with the key to enjoying life itself. Here are two simple rules: 1. Lower your expectations. 2. Aside from fulfilling your civic duties like paying taxes and obeying traffic laws, only engage in activities that genuinely interest you.
I often hear friends lament about returning home for the holidays. They voice grievances about relatives spoiling their kids with sugar or family members who seem intolerant. Personally, I don’t deal with these issues, yet I still dread the Christmas visit. Why? Honestly, I’m not sure. I’d much prefer visiting my parents when the weather is pleasant, allowing us to enjoy the outdoors together. The thought of watching my nieces text their friends about their gifts only makes me feel older and more frustrated—who wants that experience? So, if that voice in your head suggests you dislike holiday visits, perhaps it’s urging you to simply skip them.
Another common complaint revolves around gift expenses. The solution is straightforward: skip the obligation of gift-giving altogether. Instead of feeling pressured to buy for everyone, consider a single thoughtful gift for someone you care about. For instance, I bought a few books for a friend who isn’t even particularly close to me, simply because I knew she would appreciate them. This one act of goodwill served as my entire holiday shopping!
Of course, this approach doesn’t apply to young children who eagerly anticipate presents. It’s often easier to buy them gifts than to explain your reasoning for not doing so. However, once they grasp the concept of money and material desires, share the reality with them. We often inundate kids with unrealistic expectations about education and careers, so they might actually benefit from a dose of honesty.
This no-gift philosophy extends to holiday gatherings too. Personally, I find office parties unbearable, so I’ve decided to skip mine this year—no excuses needed! (And remember, if you choose to give a gift, attending a party is not mandatory.)
What else am I opting out of this holiday season? That’s a tricky question because I’m essentially doing nothing! My ideal scenario involves sipping bourbon while binge-watching The Ghost Writer for the fifth time. I realize this might seem contradictory to my earlier advice of lowering expectations, but hear me out: being granted some time off during a season that encourages relaxation and television viewing is as good as it gets. If you struggle to redefine the holidays as an opportunity for mild enjoyment rather than dread, just repeat the phrase “The holidays. The holidays. The holidays.” It sounds so neutral and inviting. Savor it like supermarket eggnog—delicious!
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Summary:
The key to enjoying the holiday season lies in lowering expectations and engaging only in activities you enjoy. By simplifying gift-giving and choosing not to attend obligatory gatherings, you can transform the holidays into a time for relaxation and mild enjoyment.