#18 Letting Go of Pressure from Expectations

by guest author, Kat Simmons

As I placed my few simple decorations out on my porch, I heard what sounded like a carnival up the street. I went to investigate, and was met with bright lights, music, animated reindeer, elves and an inflated Santa, complete with his sled and all the reindeer. I was surprised there was not a brown out in the neighborhood. Ah, it is that time again, Christmas, and all the expectations that go into it.
 
When I was a newly single mom, I had to decide whether I wanted to buy the few gifts I could, or if I wanted to buy decorations and make my house look like the Griswolds? I chose to spend my money elsewhere, even though the kids begged for animation on the front lawn.
 


Then there are those Christmas cards to worry about, too. Instead of spending money on a family card with a picture, writing a letter about how proud I am of my kids (even if they did not make the team, or get straight A’s), then spend the money on postage to mail them, only to have people toss them out after saying, “Hey, look how big those kids are now,” we did something different.
 
The kids and I made one big, hand-painted card of our beautiful mountains, and decorated it. In our best glitter glue, we wrote, “Peace On Earth.” Then we went to our friends' homes with homemade cookies, and sang a Christmas carol, while holding our giant, hand-made card. It is one of the best memories I have. Our traveling Christmas card was a great tradition for a few years, and I will treasure those memories always. It was the simplest of times, it was the best of times.
 
Let go of expectations this season, and know that what really matters is being connected to those you love. It is not about keeping up with the Joneses, it is about being present, not giving presents.
 

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Kat Simmons is a 27 year veteran of the international comedy club circuit. You may have seen her at The Improvs, Catch A Rising Star,  the Comedy Channel, Fox’s Comedy Tonight, or on Candid Camera.  She has toured with The 3 Blonde Moms and won the eWomen Network's international talent contest in Dallas in 2009. She is not only a comedienne making people laugh, but an inspirational keynote speaker as well. 

https://twitter.com/katlaffs
www.katsimmons.com