This Christmas: Focus on Making Memories Not Making Things Perfect

Now that many of us have received our COVID-19 vaccinations, I am sure a considerable number of us are looking forward to making big plans for the holidays this year.  After last year, a lot of people are feeling more pressure to make this holiday season even better for their loved ones. This creates an excess amount of holiday stress when all we should be focusing on is enjoying the holidays with family and friends. This year, let's all try and focus on making memories and not making everything perfect.

Whenever something is important to those we love, we direct our energy toward creating the perfect experience for them. But often there are elements out of our control — including finances, past and present relationships, health and current events — that interfere with our vision of the perfect holiday season.

When we set high expectations, we can feel stressed and unhappy when we don't meet them. Set realistic expectations and remember that it's the time you spend together and the memories that you make that are most important.

• Don't try to recreate 'perfect' holidays from years past.
• Don't take too much onto yourself.
• Be gracious when dealing with uncomfortable events or relationships.
• Be OK with moments of stress and negativity that can come up.

It's not realistic to think that the holiday season will be completely stress-free. The reality is that life is going on around us all the time. When difficult situations arise, acknowledge your feelings, try to be patient with yourself and others, and refocus your mind on the bigger picture.

Warmest of holiday wishes from Carmel Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeons!!