Wildly Imperfect: Elaine Blais
Who doesn’t want a peaceful holiday season?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—or so they say. It can be, with twinkling lights and joyful gatherings. But let’s be honest: it can also the season of to-do lists, endless obligations, and the occasional stress-induced meltdown.
If you’ve ever found yourself chasing the “perfect” holiday only to end up feeling frazzled and disconnected, you’re not alone. I’ve been there.
When my kids were little, I poured everything into creating magical holidays. I wanted the decorations to be flawless, the gifts to bring squeals of delight, and every moment to sparkle. But all that striving came at a cost. By January, I’d be flattened by bronchitis, barely able to breathe. My body had been begging for rest, but I ignored it, convinced I was showing love through perfection.
“When my kids were little, I poured everything into creating magical holidays.”
8 Tips How To Have A Wildly Imperfect And Perfectly Peaceful Holiday Season:
Looking back, I know I missed quite a bit of what mattered most — moments of laughter, connection, and presence. My kids didn’t need Pinterest-worthy parties or gourmet meals. They needed me—joyful, relaxed, and fully there.
Now, I’ve learned that perfection is a myth. The holidays don’t have to be flawless to be meaningful. Peace, presence, and authenticity are what make them magical.
Here are some practical ways to embrace a wildly imperfect yet perfectly peaceful holiday season.
1. Ditch The Perfection Trap:
Holidays aren’t meant to look like a Hallmark movie. Real life is messy, and that’s where the magic happens. Burnt cookies, mismatched ornaments, or an awkward family moment? Embrace it all. Let go of the need to impress and focus on creating memories filled with joy and love.
Mantra: “My holiday doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.”
2. Simplify The To-Do List:
You don’t have to do it all. Take a moment to list what truly matters to you—then let the rest go. Maybe that’s baking cookies, volunteering, or carving out quiet time for yourself.
Pro Tip: Delegate! Share the work of shopping, decorating, or cooking. Not only does it lighten your load, but it also creates shared moments of connection.
3. Honor Your Energy:
The holidays can feel like a marathon, but you don’t have to run yourself ragged. Listen to your body and prioritize rest. It’s okay to skip an event or say no to an obligation. The Joy of Missing Out (JOMO) is real—embrace it!
Self-Care Ideas:
- Take a quiet walk in nature.
- Meditate for a few minutes each day.
- Set boundaries without guilt—protecting your peace is an act of love.
4. Let Go Of Expectations:
Every family has quirks, and the holidays tend to highlight them. Instead of striving to make everything go smoothly or trying to manage others’ behavior, accept things as they are. By releasing expectations, you create space for presence and genuine connection.
Reflection Question: “How can I respond with love instead of reacting with frustration?”
“Every family has quirks, and the holidays tend to highlight them.”
5. Create New Traditions:
Who says you have to follow the same traditions every year? This season is a blank slate to create rituals that reflect your values and joys. Whether it’s having a “pajamas all day” holiday, hosting a gratitude dinner, or writing love notes instead of exchanging gifts, choose what feels meaningful and fun.
Idea: Start a “perfectly imperfect” scrapbook with candid photos and stories of the moments that didn’t go as planned.
6. Focus On Connection Over Consumption:
The media bombards us with messages that love equals extravagant gifts. It’s easy to get swept into a frenzy of shopping and spending, but the heart of the holidays is connection. Shift your focus from material things to deepening relationships—with others and yourself. Write a heartfelt card, spend time with loved ones, or share a simple meal together.
Reflection: “How can I deepen my connections this holiday season without adding to my to-do list or my credit card bill?”
7. Practice Gratitude Daily:
Gratitude is a powerful way to ground yourself and amplify peace. Even in chaos, there’s beauty to notice.
Try this: During a stressful moment, pause and name one thing you’re grateful for. It could be the kindness of a stranger, the beauty of holiday lights, or a cozy cup of tea. Before bed, jot down three things from the day that brought you joy.
8. Celebrate The Imperfect Moments:
Something will go wrong—because that’s life. But those “oops” moments often become the best stories. Spilled gravy? Laugh about it. A forgotten gift? Make a funny memory. Imperfection is what makes the holidays real, relatable, and rich.
When we allow ourselves to be fully human—messy, flawed, and real—we create space for what truly matters. Our loved ones don’t need us to be perfect; they need us to be present. By embracing your humanity, you give others permission to letting go of their own perfectionist ideals and focusing on what really counts: love, connection, and shared experiences.
Here’s to a wildly imperfect, perfectly peaceful holiday season filled with laughter, love, and the kind of magic that only happens when you let yourself be.
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About the Author:
Elaine Blais is Spiritual Life Coach, Imperfection Alchemist and author whose superpower is helping humans, primarily women, alchemize their perceived imperfections and turn them into strengths. Her signature program, The Art of Self-Approval™ is a pathway to breaking free from the chains of perfectionism and people-pleasing and unlocking your full potential.
After a quarter century in the corporate grind, and years of struggling with co-dependency and self-doubt, Elaine decided to leave behind what was expected of her and transform into the woman she wanted to be. So, at fifty-nine, she decided to write a new chapter in her life, literally.Her debut book, 3 Secrets to a Kickass Life, is a manifesto for those looking to live with intention and purpose. Elaine believes you can write your own story too.
