great expectations

What I hate is when the holidays create expectations that are nearly impossible to meet. That idea of sudden and assured joy; family unity, year-end clarity and a brimming excitement for the new year.

I do it to myself every December and this is not to say that things are not good but sometimes the heightened expectations create sharp, jagged icicle edges.

How do the rest of you deal with the pressure? Or is it just me, weaned on a diet of seasonal highs?

I'm trying to learn a little more, year by year...but the road is a long one...