One of my favorite books is Present over Perfection by Shauna Niequist. I've read it a few times. As we near the holidays I wanted to share some of what I learned from this book, because it’s not only applicable to the holiday season but also to those in the throes of wedding planning.
I get so caught up in perfectionism.
The perfect tree.
The perfectly wrapped presents in matching paper. The perfect family day.
The perfectly behaved children.
I want it all. I want the food to taste amazing. The kids to not fight. The family to have no drama. Sound familiar?
I set these high expectations.
But what my family needs is for me to present.
To delight in them.
To spend time with them.
To be present.
Why am I seeking perfection when what they need most from me is presence?
So, what if I use the leftover napkins from last year instead of buying new ones.
So, what if I don’t have enough matching silverware and we use mismatched?
Will Christmas continue? Will anyone notice?
Those things don’t matter in the grand scheme of the holidays.
This year I chose present.
I chose to be organized and prepared so that I wasn’t stressed.
I hosted dinner for my entire extended family on Saturday. And instead of getting stressed with how much I had to do, I paced myself and I chose to include my kids in the preparations, and to enjoy the season. To look at Christmas through their eyes, remove some of my expectations and delight in being fully present. To be organized and to let some things slide. To find delight in their presence. After all they will only be this age at Christmas, this year.
Why am I telling you this?
Because I truly believe it’s a choice. One that each one of us can choose.
Are we striving for perfection or are we choosing to be present?
This holiday season, choose to be present. Choose to not care if the floor is a bit dirty or if the kids are a bit cranky. Choose to spend time with people, not just money on them.
It’s the same with wedding planning. There are tons of things you can stress out about.
Are the napkins the same exact shade as the bridesmaids’ gowns?
Will the ring bearer make it down the aisle?
Will everything come together perfectly?
I'm not saying don't enjoy the small things. I'm not saying don't care about wedding planning. Just don't let those small things pull you away from what matters most: the people around you. Let go of some of the desire for perfection and celebrate the start of your new life together. Write the beginning of that chapter as present instead of perfection.
Whether you’re in the throes of planning a wedding, finishing your Christmas preparations or both, pause. Soak it all in. Let the little things go. Notice smiles and laughter. Soak it all up.
From all the staff and families of Suzanne's Sewing Services, we wish you the Merriest of Christmases. May you be present this year.
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