Do you strive every year for the perfect holiday? Most of us do, but have you ever stopped to think what that really means? What would that really look like? Aren’t imperfections sometimes what make holiday memories extra fun?
Isn’t life lovely when we embrace the imperfect beauty around us and within us? But so many times we want everything to be perfect, including our hair, make-up, outfits, accessories and bodies. Oh, and our husbands. We want them to be incredibly romantic, never worn down or stressed out, and always happy to help with the kids.
And speaking of kids, sometimes we wish they’d always be well behaved, polite and perfectly tidy.
Then there’s the Pinterest-perfect house, the picture-perfect food and the well-organized laundry; the jobs, errands and after-school activities… just thinking about trying to keep up with all of this perfection is enough to make me exhausted!
And what usually happens when our picture-perfect ideas don’t come together the way we hoped they would? That’s when many of us become unglued, snapping at everyone for their imperfections, not quite realizing that the most imperfect thing of all is our own idea of what beauty and fulfillment really is.
This year, I want to encourage you. Let go of your vision of perfect. Go with the flow. Embrace the here and now.
When your precious angels spill grape juice down their brand new sweaters 10 minutes before the family Christmas photo, turn the sweaters around backwards or give them a stuffed animal to hold in front of the stain. Then smile big for the camera!
If you run out of Christmas gift bags and gift wrap the day before Christmas Eve, use some birthday paper instead!
After your kids make a decoration for the tree that looks a little… odd… hug them tightly and hang it proudly for all to see!
When time is running out and you don’t have everything ready, that’s okay! Simplify your holiday schedule and embrace the beauty in the undone.
We need to embrace imperfection because our loved ones want more than a flawless holiday, a gourmet meal or stunning decorations. They want us, our presence. They need us to love them, to find joy in being together, to really savor the moments we share.
Love first. Love imperfectly. Everything else is secondary.
{You may also enjoy the sweet and inspiring story about The Christmas Cookie Disaster.}
Davonne Parks believes that some of life’s richest moments happen when we embrace the beauty of imperfection as we extend grace to ourselves and others. She and her husband, Nathan, have two sweet daughters, Lily and Grace. Davonne has written several inspiring eBooks, and she blogs about organization, simplicity and heart-filled motherhood. Davonne also offers free personalized virtual-organizational tips and fun rewards as part of her popular brand-new Get Organized challenge.
Davonne Parks says
I’m honored to have my article featured on your blog today – thank you for posting it!
Misty says
I love this Davonne! Cutting back and making things simpler is a much easier way to enjoy the holidays ;) Thanks for the reminder!