The holiday season is here, and for healthcare professionals, that often means juggling shift swaps, holiday potlucks, and endless demands—not to mention the emotional load of giving our patients the best care during a time we’d love to spend with our own families.
In the middle of all this, we dream about the perfect holiday. Whether it’s the right gift under the tree or a family gathering that feels like a Hallmark movie, we have these expectations that often go unmet. Let’s change that this year.
Here’s how you can unwrap the magic of getting exactly what you want this holiday season—without the frustration or disappointment.
Problem #1: Expecting People to Read Your Mind
It starts with gifts. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, If they really loved me, they’d know what to get me? Or maybe, How hard is it to pick something thoughtful?
But here’s the truth: people aren’t mind readers.
Take my husband, Scott. Early in our marriage, he gave me a grill for one occasion and a lawnmower for another—our anniversary and Christmas, maybe? I don’t even remember. What I do remember is how excited I was. I love practical gifts. Sure, I wouldn’t say no to diamonds, but a grill or lawnmower? Perfect.
Now, I know not everyone would feel this way. That’s the thing about gifts—they’re deeply personal. And if you’re relying on someone to guess your version of the “perfect” present without telling them, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Here’s the fix:
- Decide if you want to be happy or surprised. If you want to be happy, tell them exactly what you’d love.
- If you’d rather be surprised, let go of any expectations and enjoy the gesture for what it is.
It’s not just about the gift itself—it’s about setting yourself up for joy, no matter what’s inside the wrapping paper.
Problem #2: “Humans Gonna Human”
The holidays aren’t just about gifts—they’re about people. And let’s be honest, people can be… people.
Your sister might drink too much. Your mom might make everything about her. Your brother-in-law might talk too loudly, or the kids might run around like they’ve had six candy canes too many.
Here’s the thing: expecting people to suddenly behave differently because it’s the holidays is like expecting a hospital to be calm and quiet during flu season. It’s just not going to happen.
Instead, ask yourself: What would it look like to accept them as they are?
For example, maybe your mother’s self-centeredness is predictable. Instead of trying to make her see the bigger picture, you could let her comments roll off your back and focus on what makes youfeel good. Maybe your kids running wild isn’t the disaster you think it is—it’s just kids being kids.
When you release your expectations, you free yourself from unnecessary frustration.
Focus on What You Can Control
Here’s a game-changing idea: instead of pouring all your energy into managing everyone else’s experience, turn that energy inward. What would make the holiday magical for you?
Maybe it’s sitting by the fire with a cup of tea while the chaos unfolds around you. Maybe it’s going for a walk after a shift to clear your mind.
When you prioritize your own joy, a funny thing happens—the people around you feel it, too.
How to Get Exactly What You Want
Here’s a simple plan to make this holiday season your best yet:
- Communicate clearly what you want. Whether it’s a gift or a holiday plan, don’t leave room for misinterpretation.
- Let people be themselves. Adjust your expectations instead of trying to change them.
- Focus on your own joy. Ask yourself: What can I do to make this season special for me?
And here’s the magic: when you do this, you’ll feel happier, calmer, and more present—and that’s the real gift of the season.
Ready for a Happier Holiday?
If you’re tired of holiday stress and ready to create a life you love year-round, let’s talk. Book a complimentary consultation here.
And don’t miss my next free monthly masterclass (the last one this year!!) on 12/11/24: How to Abstain, where we’ll explore how to stop “overing” —over eating, over drinking, over scrolling—just in time for the holiday. Reserve your spot here.
Reminder: as part of the benefits offered at Logan Health, employees get free coaching sessions. You can book a coaching session here.
Or, if you are not a Logan Health Employee, you can book a consultation to learn how to work with me here.
P.P.S. Liked what you read? Join my email list, where I dive deeper into these concepts and teach you HOW to put them into practice in your everyday life. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram (@christineseager_) or Facebook (@seager.christine), where I share both teaching moments and real-life examples of this work in action.