This week’s inspiration is a simple one. A friend passed along an email that contained a short list of “tweets” for the advent season. Most of them resonated with me, but this one from Steve Scoggin really made me think:

Lower expectations, heighten relationships. – Steve Scoggin

Wow.

I know that expectations can be a tricky endeavor, especially during the holidays. Memories and dreams often collide at our family gatherings as we try to honor those no longer with us while welcoming new members to the table.

Traditions can comfort us—or trap us. Grand plans can become unrealistic expectations. And as my sister, Rachel, has told me more than once:

High expectations are sometimes simply resentments-in-waiting. – Rachel Miller

Yikes!

Lower expectations, heighten relationships—yep, that sounded good to me!

What matters most—really?

• The gifts given OR what we learn about preferences as we shop for or with one another?  

• The specific menu selections OR what we discover about each other in discussing what to serve? 

• An exquisitely prepared meal OR the revealing conversations around the table? 

• The “on pointe” holiday outfit OR the opinion-sharing about which one to choose? 

• Snapping that perfect holiday photo OR laughing through the drama and antics we use to get everyone to smile?

Holidays give us the unique opportunity to get to know more about each other. We can focus on our expectations or choose to let the time together heighten our relationships.

This holiday season, I’m going to let the experiences matter more than expectations. How about you? What mindset will fuel you through the holiday home stretch?

And on we go. . .

Note: For those following along in Morning Fuel, the reading for December 4: Four Word Reset features this classic.

P.S. This week I enjoyed a wonderful chat about Morning Fuel with Tom Hall, the host of Midday, WYPR 88.1 FM Baltimore. The interview will air Monday, December 23 at 12:30 p.m. ET and later posted here.

P.P.S. More Texas Snow making! And a throw-back to granddaughter Blakely Faye’s first batch at age 3.

Wanda’s Batch

Blakely Faye, Age 3

Ready to give.

Grandkids Beckett, Baxter, and Blakely Faye.

Texas Snow with Alex and Ashley— note the cute hand-stamped tags!