Wishing you an imperfect Christmas

It's too easy to get caught up in what we think it should be.

Perfect holiday dinners served by elegant women in cocktail dresses to angelic, 'Sunday best” children and mesmerized, dapper men.

Painstakingly decorated trees at perfect ceiling height and window placement.

Waves of sparkling, white snow that pose no inconvenience.

Meticulously wrapped and always wanted gifts.

Pets that happily and calmly welcome all visitors before striking a camera-ready pose on their special holiday pillow beds.

Toddlers in shirts as unsoiled as angels' wings.

Considerate neighbors bearing baked goods and holiday songs.

A special someone saying just the right thing, at just the right time, while offering just the right gift.

Family members getting time off work or leave from military duty.

Open highways, free rental car upgrades and no flight delays.

Silent nights, holy nights, calm and bright - pretty as a postcard, or Hollywood movie set.

It is easy to get caught up in the idea that during the holidays our homes, families and lives will magically reach an unattainable goal of perfection, and it is even easier to understand why. Advertising, holiday cards, movies, music and even the not-so-spontaneous snapshots shared on social media reflect what marketers have declared a wonderful holiday season is supposed to be.

So, instead of perfect pets, we wish you laughter for when you chase the furry beasts out of the tree.

We wish you noisy friends and relatives, thankful to carve the too dry turkey or overcooked ham.

May you be blessed with hugs and kisses from sweet and sticky youngsters, and ribbon wide enough to cover rips in the wrapping paper.

Here's hoping the tape you used to hang all the holiday cards leaves a lasting mark on the wall.

We hope your neighbors have light displays so obnoxious they earn a spot in family lore.

If there are tears, may they come during a phone call with a far away loved one who you'll see very soon.

May your circle of caring grow so large that you need to break out the card table and place unexpected guests on mismatched ottomans.

Perfection is overrated. So, may you have 'just enough.”

We hope you find love and joy in the flawed and ordinary and share it with others throughout the next year.

' Comments: editorial@thegazette.com; (319) 398-8262.