It has started already—the holiday movie season. They paint a beautiful picture of how the holidays should be: filled with festive decorations perfectly adorning the home and friends gathering around a roaring fire as everyone opens the perfect gift. Along the way, there are a few hiccups, but in the end, it’s a feel-good, Disney-like best Christmas ever.

Such movies can create unrealistic expectations as we attempt to emulate this perfect holiday feeling. There may be even some added pressure as we all had a few tough years with a global pandemic, climate change disasters and painful inflation. In fact, one of the main points reflected in the election south of the border is that people feel their lives were better four years ago than they are today. 

Some steps I take to avoid the trap include:

• Be self-aware and honest with my feelings. My mother-in-law makes a snide remark about my kids? It’s ok to feel anger or frustration.
• Waiting on hold for ever? It’s ok to be annoyed.

I’m human and designed to feel a myriad of emotions: to be happy all the time means I’d be lying to myself or possibly be an elf. (Newsflash: neither is true)

Even friends and neighbours with idealistic photos in their Christmas cards and on Facebook, may appear to be the jolliest bunch of a-holes this side of the nuthouse (to borrow a line from Christmas Vacation) but that it is only what they choose to show.

It’s also ok for us to be a little selfish. Yes, I know that it is contrary to all the movie plots.  

• Hate cooking? Order pizza.
• Can’t stand wrapping? Gift bags are an easy alternative.
• Can’t stand anyone at your office? Avoid the party or go for the meal only and make a smooth exit after.

Let’s take the time to reflect and be thankful. Rather than focusing on what we do not have or did not accomplish, focus on the things we do have or have accomplished. It is all too easy to focus on what we want. Instead, let’s develop an attitude of gratitude: I’m blessed to have a job I love, friends I cherish and a family that brings me such happiness and pride. I’m truly grateful.

 Above all, let’s be realistic and recognize that a perfect Christmas is reserved for Hollywood. Instead, take care of yourself and each other.

By: Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP