Perfection, like happiness, is very relative, and open to interpretation. These days, with so-called celebrities amongst us mere mortals, it seems wedding must be perfect. If they’re not lavish, expensive, and attended by royalty and other celebrities, then they’re not perfect.

I had the perfect wedding, back in the eighties. Friends and family came, the groom and I turned up, we had nice food and wine, and a good time was had by all. In other words, it was perfect, to us at least. I’m sure some would belittle the church hall for the reception, and new white sheets on trestle tables instead of fancy cloth on fancy tables, the home-made buffet… I don’t care for ‘posh’ or lavish; we had a perfect day.

Christmas is another event that so many strive hard to make perfect. The table must be perfect, and the tree, and the food… People put themselves under so much pressure to have the perfect Christmas. Ours was perfect; my son was here, we had nice food, and no major mishaps though we did lose another freaking lightbulb. That makes 9 in an 18-month period. Nobody can tell me that’s just plain bad luck and I’ll chase up when, if ever, this rental last had an electric check.

Maybe it’s because I don’t have high expectations, that I often have what I think is a perfect day or event, or even just a moment. Perfection is what you make it, and if you build up an event so high, and seek perfection, then I think you’re going to be sadly disappointed. For me at least, lowering expectations, and being reasonable in those expectations, often make for a happier life full of perfect little moments.

Of course, there are bound to be disappointments, no matter how much you plan, though if you can take them in your stride and move on, then they needn’t be insurmountable.

I hope you all had, what for you is a perfect Christmas and New Year whether it was with family, or welcomed alone time, filled with things and/or people that make it perfect for you.

Enjoy what’s left of the week, have a good weekend, and a great new decade.