Permission to take a break: Embracing the ‘good enough’ holiday

If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or Instagram during the holidays, you know the feeling—every post seems to scream, “Look at my perfect tree, my perfectly wrapped presents, and my perfect cookies!” It’s enough to make anyone feel like they’re not measuring up.

But let me tell you something: perfect isn’t the goal. At least, it shouldn’t be.

As military spouses, we’re already navigating so much. Maybe this is your first holiday at a new duty station. Maybe your spouse is deployed, and you’re trying to hold everything together for the kids. Or maybe you’re just exhausted from a year that’s been anything but predictable (because, let’s be honest, military life always keeps us on our toes).

This year, I’m giving myself—and you—permission to have a “good enough” holiday. Here’s what that can look like:

Prioritize what matters most – Think back to last year’s holidays. What stands out in your memory? Chances are, it’s not the perfectly tied bows or the spotless house. It’s the laughter during a messy cookie-decorating session or the quiet moment you spent watching the lights twinkle on the tree. Focus on creating more of those moments.

Ditch the guilt – Store-bought pies? Yes. Skipping holiday cards? Totally fine. Nobody expects you to be a one-person holiday factory. Your family won’t remember if you “cheated” on the details—they’ll remember how you made them feel.

Celebrate small wins – Maybe you finally mailed the last package to your deployed spouse, or you managed to get everyone dressed and out the door for a holiday event. Celebrate those little victories, because they’re a big deal.

Create space for rest – It’s okay to skip a party or leave the dishes in the sink. When you’re running on fumes, give yourself permission to rest. Curl up with a cozy blanket, put on your favorite holiday movie, and just be.

Say yes to help – Let your spouse or kids wrap gifts, even if they’re not “perfect.” Let a friend bring dessert to the party. Asking for help doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human.

And while you’re giving yourself permission to take a break, make sure your peace of mind is intact too. Armed Forces Insurance has your back, making it simple to protect your home, car, and belongings—so you can focus on what really matters this holiday season. Find out how they can help at afi.org/afimsoy.

The truth is, the holidays are rarely as picture-perfect as they look online, and that’s okay. What matters is the love, laughter, and connection we create along the way. So, let’s embrace the beauty of imperfection, take a deep breath, and let ourselves off the hook. Because a “good enough” holiday is more than enough.