Surprise! Yep, it’s me again. Although I committed to “slowing down” to a biweekly column pace after my hospital saga, I couldn’t resist checking in again. I’m hoping this story about another family tradition may bring a smile and maybe even some comfort as we come into the home stretch of the holiday season.

The inspiration came from my sister, Rachel, and our discussion about a comment that we rarely make:

“That’s good enough.”

We’re not sure why, but both of us tend to be driven and focused on finding our best and delivering it. We like to think that it is our commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Maybe.

Until Rachel shared this nugget of wisdom someone once shared with her. In this quest for excellence, we can sometimes act as if our own personal mantra is:

“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth making a major project out of it.”

Yikes!

We laughed long and hard at ourselves and each other. Both of us routinely find ourselves expanding our efforts at what could be simple projects, especially when it comes to family celebrations, holidays, milestones, and matters of the heart.

We want what we do to reflect how deeply we feel.

Why? Perhaps we don’t know how to shut down our creativity. Or we tire easily of cookie-cutter approaches. Or we find the search for a unique addition to be an exciting challenge. Or it’s simply an inherited family value.

Or maybe, just maybe, we are perfectionists underneath it all.

Yikes again!

So Rachel and I made a pledge and repeat it every year about this time:

We vowed to stress less, do less, and say more often, “That’s good enough.”

We’re deep into what can be the season of perfectionism. We may have looked for the perfect gift and the perfect tree. The perfect recipe, holiday card, Christmas Eve outfit, or even wrapping paper. A hushed voice may be accompanying us. “Just one more touch,” it whispers, nudging us with the thought that with a little more effort, we could make the holiday even more memorable.

But does everything have to be a major project?

True to my pledge to Rachel, I try to be more self-aware during the holidays. My favorite example is my treat-making mishap.

Every year I make a huge batch of Texas Snow, a sweet and salty snack mix treat, and give it, festively wrapped, to family and friends.

One year one of my helpers mistakenly purchased chocolate almond bark instead of vanilla. And twisted pretzels instead of stick pretzels.

Oops.

So was it worth the effort to return and repurchase? Or was it time to implement the “good enough” mantra?

Good enough, I decided.

And here was the result, my “good enough” Texas Snow.

It tastes great, but definitely needs a new name. Not much “snowy” about chocolate.

Meanwhile, instead of being stressed about getting it just right, I began to feel more like a foodie entrepreneur on an adventure to see if something new and delicious could come from being “good enough.”

Here’s the comparison: Texas Snow vs. “Good Enough” Texas Snow. What do you think?

How about you? Have you reached the point of saying “that’s good enough” this season? Tell me about it. I’d love to know.

P.S. Want the recipe? Here’s the link: Texas Snow Recipe. Enjoy!

P.P.S. I hope this column is “good enough,” too. I pushed aside wrapping and menu planning to finish it. Connection is more important than perfection, right? (And take-out it’s just a phone call away!) Seriously, it’s the season of connection, reflection, and gratitude for the greatest gift we could ever receive and are built to share: LOVE!