Relinquishing Perfection Through Embracing the Tacky Christmas Tree by Ashley Holloway
Craft article
Move over, ugly Christmas sweaters, this year’s Christmas theme is ‘tacky Christmas tree.’ Even the Washington Post and the New York Post are talking about it. Leaning into the nostalgia of Christmases past with mismatched, color-clashing decorations, this year’s theme is a vast departure from the typical minimalist and monochrome décor of recent years. ‘Tacky’ or not, to anyone born before 1980, this theme harkens back to childhood Christmases spent stringing popcorn and handmade decorations. Perhaps it’s a yearning for simpler, more authentic times, or maybe driven by thinning pocketbooks all around, this tacky Christmas tree theme is indicative of a society that is actively relinquishing perfection. Why not carry that forward to your writing too?
What is perfection, anyways? Merriam-Webster defines this as, “the quality or state of being perfect; a freedom from fault.” This begs the question: what does fault mean? Synonyms are listed as: weakness, failing, defect, and mistake. Linking these definitions together makes perfection seem rather… unrealistic. In the same way that no first draft is ever perfect, even the most seasoned of authors (and their editors) let mistakes slip through in a manuscript. In fact, some might argue that finding an error in a book written by your favourite author makes them feel a bit more accessible, or human. In today’s age of artificial intelligence, finding a spelling error in a work of writing is a good thing.
To be a writer means that you write. It takes practice. A lot of it. Further, writing is an iterative process of continually writing and revising, writing and revising. There is no end point in a circle, yet perfectionism demands one. Besides, one person’s idea of perfection may not be the same as another’s. J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy is a perfect example of this. This fact in itself demonstrates the unattainability of perfection; if the target is always moving, how do you hit it? And how do you know when you hit it if it is always moving? Perfectionism isn’t a check in the box, nor is it a science.
Making mistakes is easy when you write. While you are the writer of your stories, your reader fills in the blanks in their mind. As writers, you often read into your writing what you want readers to get out of it. As soon as your writing meets your needs, you deem it finished. But this disregards the readers’ needs, and yet this is so easy to do! Simply spending more time on your writing will not make it “perfect.” Having someone read your work and offer constructive feedback can help identify these areas that need revisiting; this is, by far, one of the best ways to improve your writing.
Sometimes it’s fear that drives the quest for perfectionism; fear of failure, fear of people thinking your writing isn’t good enough, fear of rejection. Fear, fear, fear. It’s an easy emotion; ironically, it’s also a safe option. Not doing something because you are afraid you might fail prevents you from even trying. You cannot fail it you don’t try.
Even Hemingway admitted that “the first draft of anything is shit.” So, in a society that promotes perfectionism, imperfection is rebellious. Just look to celebrated Canadian model and actress Pamela Anderson who now eschews makeup altogether. Imperfections, shmimperfections, she roars! This Christmas, go channel your inner Pamela Anderson and hang those salt dough ornaments and toilet paper angels on your tree. And just write that shit down.
About the author:
Self-proclaimed logophile and devourer of books, Ashley Holloway is a nurse, writer, and editor who teaches writing classes and healthcare leadership in Calgary, AB. She writes in a variety of genres with work appearing across Canada and the US and has co-authored three books. Ashley serves as Editorial Director at Unleash Creatives and her work has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.