Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Wrestling that To-Do List to the Ground

How's that To-Do list looking? Tis the season, right? Being stressed and hurried jumps to a new level in December for a lot of us. Especially those with little kids and big expectations.
I realized years ago that the thing that stressed me out the most were those little things I wanted to do, but couldn't seem to make fit in before Dec. 25. Bake a special cookie, decorate the mail box, put up garlands on the front handrails, make a certain craft, and on and on. Those little things which add that finishing touch to the enjoyment of the season. However, until they were done they lurked there on the bottom of my To-Do list. Always there. And those years I didn't get around to them - I lamented that fact on Christmas Day, because then it was too late.
Now, I know I'm the only one who has ever done this - but just in case you're still reading - I fixed this problem.
I set earlier deadlines for those things. The things I just want to do. For example, if the railings don't have garlands by Dec. 15 - then they aren't being done. If that special cookie hasn't been made before the Sunday School party - then they aren't being made. Maybe it's just a way to spread out my stress, but it works for me. Because seriously - I do not want to even be thinking about these little things in the days leading up to Christmas.
Too often I let minor things steal my joy. They aren't unimportant - but they aren't worth as much as I make them out to be sometimes.
So today I'm spending a few moments with my To-Do list and putting it into perspective. After all, who's the boss here anyway?

4 comments:

Eileen Astels Watson said...

I need to make one of those soon, too. And get organized so I can actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of the season.

Kay Dew Shostak said...

That's definitely the idea, Eileen. Thanks for reading, following and commenting. The Grand Triple!

Cindy said...

This year with Stephanie and Jason hosting Christmas, I may cut out even more from my to do list. Which suits Mark just fine!

Ryan Shostak said...

I really hope you put garland and lights on the front railings. Its so pretty, and It's my favorite decorations of the house!