Episode 69: Nothing Says “Merry Christmas” Like a Webster’s Dictionary

In this episode of Running to Myself, Trisha brings back one of her all-time favorite Christmas memories, a story some listeners may remember, but one that is absolutely worth hearing again. What starts as a nostalgic trip back to childhood traditions becomes a powerful lesson about unmet expectations, perspective, and the surprising gifts that often reveal themselves long after the moment has passed. Trisha shares the now-legendary “year of the dictionary,” a Christmas Eve surprise that fell painfully short of childhood hopes… and yet became the one gift her entire family still treasures, laughs about, and retells decades later. Through this story, she invites us to reconsider the moments in our own lives that didn’t go the way we planned  and to look for the hidden gifts that only time and perspective can show us. In this episode, you’ll hear: The nostalgic Christmas traditions that shaped Trisha’s childhood • The excitement and anticipation around her Aunt Carol’s iconic group gifts • The legendary sleds, bean bag chairs, and the unforgettable year of the Webster’s Dictionary • How a disappointing moment turned into decades of joy, laughter, and bonding • Why unmet expectations often lead to unexpected gifts • How midlife perspective helps us connect the dots between past disappointments and present growth Key Themes: Unmet expectations can feel heavy, but they often carry something meaningful beneath the surface • Many of life’s best outcomes come from plans we never would’ve chosen • Time offers clarity we can’t access in the moment • Perspective softens disappointment and opens us to new possibilities • The things we want most aren’t always the things we need most A Reflection for You: Think of one moment in your life where you didn’t get what you wanted and yet, looking back, it became a turning point. A blessing in disguise. A gift you couldn’t have predicted. Let that memory remind you that today’s disappointment might be tomorrow’s unexpected gift. If this episode resonates… Be sure to follow the show so you never miss an episode, and feel free to share it with someone who might enjoy this story or need this perspective today. You can find more about Trisha, her coaching, and additional resources at trishastanton.com.