The Perfect Holiday Is a Lie—Here’s How to Stop Chasing It

Are you stressing over “Pinterest-perfect” table settings? 

Wondering if you should’ve added more twinkle lights? 

Let’s pause for a second.

We’ve got news for you: The perfect holiday doesn’t exist. 

Not on Instagram, not in Hallmark movies, not in your neighbors’ perfectly curated family photos. 

What you’re seeing is a highlight reel, not reality.

The truth is; that holiday “perfection” is a sneaky, exhausting myth. And it’s robbing you of the real joy of the season. 

We’re here to help you break free from that perfection trap and reclaim the holidays for what they’re supposed to be—messy, joyful, and entirely yourself.

Why We Chase Perfection (And Why It’s Exhausting)

Have you ever noticed how much pressure the holidays bring? 

It’s like the world collectively decided you need to:

• Host a five-star dinner worthy of a Food Network special.
• Buy everyone the exact right gift.
• Look cheerful 24/7.

Where does this come from? Two words: cultural expectations.

From ads showing flawless family gatherings to your friend’s perfectly staged tree on Instagram. 

We’re bombarded with images of how the holidays “should” look. 

It’s no wonder we feel like we’re falling short.

But here’s the kicker: chasing perfection is exhausting. 

It’s not just the physical effort—it’s the emotional toll of constantly comparing your reality to an impossible standard.

The Problem with “Perfect” Holidays

Here’s the thing about perfection: it doesn’t leave room for real life. 

And let’s be real, real life is messy. 

It’s:

• The chicken curry that burns because you were distracted by your toddler.
• The decorations that refuse to stay up.
• The moment you accidentally spill red wine on a white tablecloth.

But those messy, imperfect moments? They’re also the most memorable ones. 

They’re what make the holidays yours, not a carbon copy of someone else’s Instagram post.

How to Stop Chasing Perfection

So, how do you let go of the myth? Start small:

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Ask yourself: What do I really want out of this holiday season?
   Focus on what matters to you, not what you think you “should” do.
2. Embrace Imperfection: Spilled gravy? Epic Pinterest fails? Laugh it off.
   Perfection isn’t relatable, but authenticity is.
3. Limit Social Media Time: Remember, you’re seeing a highlight reel, not reality.
   Take a break if scrolling starts to feel like a competition.

The team of Axis Integrated Mental Health put together a Holiday Wellness Survival Kit.

It offers practical strategies to find calm, let go of comparison, and rediscover joy—one small, achievable step at a time.

It’s not about lowering your standards—it’s about focusing on what genuinely brings you joy.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Tips to redefine your holiday goals.
• Practical steps to resist the pull of comparison.
• Validation that imperfection is not just okay—it’s beautiful.

Ready to let go of the myth and embrace a real, messy, and slightly imperfect holiday?

Download the Axis Holiday Wellness Survival Kit Now

Because the best holidays aren’t perfect—they’re perfectly yours.