Heartwings Love Notes          

 

 

Heartwings Love Notes 858 - The Expectations of Christmas Time

Heartwings says, "When we have expectations, they may stress us out to the point we can't enjoy ourselves."

The Holiday time carries a big burden of expectations. For instance, people are expected to be nicer, to be kinder to one another, perhaps even more forgiving of errors and mishaps. "It's Christmas," people say, and that is supposed to be a reason to behave in ways one might not otherwise. I'm not saying that this is a bad reason; it is good to be thinking kindly at this time of year. However, we don't need to make it a given or be critical of someone who doesn't.

Another set of expectations revolves around the giving of gifts. To whom do we owe a larger gift and to whom a token? Is a card enough or need we send or give an actual physical present? Even the difference between an online card and an actual one might be a consideration. Our expectations of what is appropriate, what we "ought" to do may govern our actions and present a need for decisions about what to do, as well as stress us out.

Perhaps most of all, however, it is our expectations of ourselves that are the most difficult to deal with. There is much to be done and it all must fit into the time we have, regardless of the fact that life does not come to a halt at Christmas time. In addition to the holiday activities we still need to do the cooking, working, shopping and so on that we do anyway. It's enough to take the fun out of the celebration. We often feel guilty if we can't manage to do it all with grace and good humor.

Yet we and others might better benefit if we take some time for ourselves. If we use a gift bag instead of wrapping paper, send a card instead of an actual gift or even offer to take friends out for a treat at a later date or offer to baby sit their children, we downsize the stress. Less stress means more holiday spirit, and diminished expectations mean less guilt. We need to remember that what we really celebrate now is the coming of a child of Light, or the Light itself, into a world that needs it. Expectations aside, we can remember the true meaning of this season is about the gift of joy to all of us, from all of us.

However you celebrate may your holidays be filled with happiness and joy.

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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