Last weekend we made our monthly trek to Costco where we spent a small fortune, and even though it was a full three days before Halloween, Christmas had already exploded. But here’s the thing, I loved it. In fact, we’d already been playing and singing Christmas music for like a week at this point. What can I say, I love this time of year. Specifically, while fall is my favorite season, the month of November is the crown jewel because it combines all of my favorite elements of family, food and football into the best traditions and rituals of the year. I love a good ritual, especially ones that involve planning and discipline.

There’s another reason why I love this time of year, and it’s the magic of looking back and peaking ahead that we experience. This past week I’ve been in San Antonio working with a client to help their team make sense of their progress to date and prioritize their work moving forward. It’s top of mind for a lot of folks right now.

What is it about the time leading up to the holidays where we get both reflective and in a hurry? I keep finding myself wanting to slow down and stop the clock from running, while at the same time, it feels like there’s still so much to do to finish the year strong.

So, I’ve decided to give myself, and perhaps those like me who suffer from the same affliction, some advice as we head into this glorious but fleeting time of year.

Lower your expectations. In fact, try doing away with expectations altogether. What’s the saying, expectations are disappointments ready to happen? Instead try acceptance. You know, the thing you sometimes refuse to accept. It’s amazing what happens when I’m going with the flow. Things just happen, as if I weren’t in control after all.

I can already picture myself trying to control all of the things that go along with putting up the decorations or trimming the tree or keeping family together at thanksgiving. It’s always exhausting and stressful and seems less and less worth it to get things just the way I want it. Who knows, I might even get to have a little fun this way.

Speaking of fun, this weekend I extended my stay in San Antonio and my wife joined me for a little get away. These past few days have been magical, not simply because we were without the kids (we try to do that consistently already with date nights). I think what helped was having no agenda. I spend most of my days creating and executing agendas. Being on schedule is my middle name, discipline is my game, there are few people more consistent or predictable than me.

I need times with no agenda, it’s another form of freeing myself from expectations. It helps me to quiet my mind and still my soul. What better time to do both of these things, than during this soulful, season of celebration.

So, as I fully embrace the rituals and traditions that give this season meaning, let me also remember to enjoy the wonder of these holiday moments. I think I can do that, with no reservations.