Letting Go of Perfect: Finding Peace in an Imperfect Holiday

The holidays have a way of stirring up expectations—often without us even realizing it. We expect certain people to show up differently, say the right things, give more, or act in ways that make the season feel “just right.” And when those expectations aren’t met, disappointment quietly settles in.

But what if peace isn’t found in everything going perfectly?

So often, the pressure we feel during the holidays doesn’t come from what’s happening—it comes from what we expected to happen. Expectations about how others 'should' behave, how relationships 'should' look, or how the season 'should' feel can rob us of joy before we even realize it.

'Should' by who's standards...

Letting go of “perfect” doesn’t mean lowering our standards or ignoring our feelings. It means releasing the idea that our peace depends on others meeting our expectations. It’s choosing to appreciate people for who they are today, not who we wish they would be. It’s loving them where they are, not where we think they 'should' be.

When we loosen our grip on expectations, we create space—for grace, compassion, and connection. We stop measuring moments against an imagined ideal and start noticing the beauty that’s already present. A shared laugh, a quiet conversation, a familiar presence—these imperfect moments often hold the most meaning.

This season, consider asking yourself: What expectation am I holding that’s costing me my peace? And what might happen if you released it, even just a little?

Peace doesn’t come from perfect people, perfect gatherings, or perfect circumstances. Peace comes when we choose presence over pressure, gratitude over comparison, and love over expectation.

An imperfect holiday, lived with grace, can be far more peaceful—and far more meaningful—than a perfect one ever could. So, this holiday season let go of perfect and find peace in an imperfect holiday.