Day 2

Traditions! Some people love traditions; some not so much. Usually (so the joke goes), they marry each other. Christmas and the travel towards it begins with 'traditions'. Let's unwrap the three gifts of Christmas expectations.

There is a right way to celebrate Christmas.

There is a wrong way to celebrate Christmas.

There is the way I want to celebrate Christmas.

Yesterday, if you started a Trail journal, you recalled the ghosts of Christmas pasts. The good memories were targeted and even though it was not asked of you, you likely recalled some less good memories. Was any memory perfect?

Of course not. The right or wrong way to celebrate is a false goal that heaps shame and expectation that you will achieve the right and avoid the wrong. Likely, using that as your standard you will accomplish exactly the opposite.

The third option is a bit of a challenge too. It works for sure if the Christmas adventure is meant to be celebrated alone. It is more difficult if including others.

It will arrive with or without you or your preparations.

It will take place both nearby and far away. It will be shared as an event across our entire planet (even if the goal is to avoid it.).

The real expectation of Christmas celebration is that it simply is.

Journal topics today could be:

What if you just showed up for the Christmas season? What would that look like?

What would you not want to miss? Tradition, event, people etc?

What are your expectations?

Something to share: The top three traditions of Christmas are gift giving, tree decorating and you fill in the third blank because nothing else was a clear third place winner!