by Megan Sy, M.A., M.S.
Thanksgiving weekend is often associated with two things: Black Friday deals and the beginning of holiday season. As we count down to the end of the year, we will increasingly be bombarded with expectations to shop, give gifts, eat and drink with abandon, attend parties, and spend time with family. In the hustle and bustle of the season, these expectations can develop into demands on ourselves and on others. I deserve to eat and drink everything I want. He should get me a gift of equal value. My family must have a good celebration.
Recognizing the presence of our demands and then working to question them helps us think more logically and rationally about them. Further, by viewing them instead as preferences, we may be less prone to unhealthy negative emotions when some or all of them are not met. Rational beliefs we can practice this season include: It would be nice to have X, but there is no reason that I must have it. I would really like to have a nice celebration with my family, but I can tolerate it if our gathering doesn’t turn out the way I would like. Beliefs like these will allow us to enjoy the holidays and appreciate the time we get to spend with those we value.
