Managing Expectations at Christmas with Lizzie Moult

The holiday season is meant to be a joyful time spent with loved ones, but unrealistic expectations can easily turn it into a source of anxiety and stress instead. On today’s podcast episode, I fly solo and share practical tips for taking the pressure off and refocusing on what really matters - quality time with family and friends.

I discuss how assumptions about responsibilities, gift-giving, home cleaning standards, and relationship dynamics can set us up for disappointment if things don't go according to plan. Instead of worrying about perceived obligations, I recommend having open conversations to clearly define each person's role. Sharing the workload ensures no one feels overwhelmed and allows everyone to fully participate and enjoy the day.

When it comes to traditions and celebrations, I encourage families to ditch preconceived notions of how things "should" be and create their own meaningful rituals. Whether it's a new board game, outdoor activity, or relaxed meal plan, communicating preferences upfront prevents tensions from unrealistic visions not matching reality.

For those inevitable moments when expectations aren't met, I offer breathing exercises to help stay grounded physically and emotionally. Rather than internalizing situations as personal failures, her advice is to practice flexibility and focus on the present moment with loved ones.

Overall, the message I want you to take away is that the holidays are about connection, not perfection. By managing assumptions, sharing responsibilities, and embracing each celebration as it unfolds, families can reduce stress and truly appreciate their time together this Christmas season.

I can’t wait for you to listen to this conversation.

Highlights from this episode:

• Manage expectations by communicating responsibilities and plans clearly with family members instead of assuming things.
• Focus on quality time with loved ones over unrealistic standards for things like cleaning the house or gift-giving.
• Be present in the moment rather than stressing over preconceived notions of how Christmas "should" look.
• Share responsibilities and ask for help from others to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Use tools like breathing exercises to stay grounded when tensions arise due to unmet expectations.
• Make the holidays meaningful by celebrating in a way that works for your family through new traditions or activities.

BEST ONE-LINERS:

"Christmas is about people coming together. It's about spending time with your loved ones. If your house is not immaculate, I bet no one's gonna really care.” - Lizzie Moult

"When we expect something, we've already pre-decided how it's going to play out. Now when this applies to relationships...this can be with any one of your family members, your kids, your partner, you know, a friend even just setting yourself up for disaster every time hands down." - Lizzie Moult

"The key here with Christmas, as I mentioned before, is coming back into the present moment. And being with your people communicating, asking big questions, learning how their year has been, maybe you guys want to do like a gratitude practice, to celebrate the New Year as well, like anything is possible." - Lizzie Moult

Do reach out to us to continue this conversation.

Connect with Lizzie

HOST OF THE CHOOSING CHANGE PODCAST

Web: www.lizziemoult.com

Facebook: @lizziegmoult

Instagram:@lizzie_moult 

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