Expectations Take All The Joy Out Of Christmas

Can I just be real for a minute?! Christmas is a fun time of year. Lots of hustle and bustle. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, really.

However, this year has been hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit.

Over the last few days I have taken some time to ask myself why?! Why am I feeling this way?? As I took time to pull back, and evaluate...I realized that since being an adult—Christmas just hasn’t been as fun or magical. So I asked myself “why?” Then I realized that this season is so stressful because of the expectations I put on myself. Expectations to be perfect...even tho yes, I know perfection is not attainable.

Expectations take all of the joy out of Christmas.

As I kept thinking....I noticed that I haven’t ever taken time to think about what this time of year all about anyways?! I realized, for me, this time of the year is: 1-to remember and celebrate the birth of Christ. 2- to be able to spend quality time with friends and family.

Then I realized that it was my expectations of the Christmas season that had stolen my Christmas spirit!

I also realized that by moving a little slower this year then normal, my mood had actually improved. I wasn’t stressed out and angry all of the time. Because I feel freed from all of the expectations...I feel like I can actually enjoy this season. Once I remembered that Jesus is the true reason for the season and then slowed down to enjoy time with the people in my life my Christmas spirit is back on. If you are struggling too this year...just know haven’t been alone.

<3 Kayla