Lessons for Living
"A Good Enough Holiday"

I like this idea of trying to be "good enough." It takes the pressure off and allows us to relax. I think that it would be a useful idea to apply to the upcoming holiday season. What would happen if we set the goal of having a "good enough" holiday?

Often we create high expectations for the holidays and are disappointed when they are not realized. We hope for a "Currier and Ives" holiday that is picture postcard perfect. This year, don't strive for perfection. Instead, consider these questions: "What would make your holiday "good enough?" What would satisfy you? When it is all over, what would you feel good about having done?

Try to determine what is realistic for you and your family. Evaluate your present circumstances, decide what you "want" to do, and balance this with what you feel you "should" do.

• How busy do you want to be? Set the limits you need and say "No" to some invitations.
• How much money would you like to spend? Be reasonable and don't financially overburden yourself.
• How much traveling do you wish to do? When do you want to do it? Break up the holiday into small celebrations at different times with different people in different settings.
• How much cooking is needed? Who will do it? What if you ate out instead?
• What spiritual observances are important? In what rituals do you want to participate? Choose what is meaningful to you.

Having a "good enough" holiday does not mean doing nothing. It requires plans to be made and actions to be taken. A "good enough" holiday is not an excuse to withdraw from celebration but is an attempt to set reasonable goals.