6 Dec
The Anti-List List
Lately I’m noticing that this time of year causes people to lose their minds a little bit. Our already ridiculous to-do lists escalate to preposterous to-do lists. When I hear the statistics that get dragged out every year about increased rates of depression, suicide, heart attack, and other dreadful things during the holiday season, I’m not even surprised anymore. It makes sense. I already feel like life is screaming by me anyway, but around Halloween, everything starts going so much faster. Everyone starts adding to their lists of events, chores, parties, outings, decorations, gifts, etc. There are lists of lists, for crying out loud.
Well, I don’t want to play anymore. My list of things that I have to do this year is much shorter. I’ll record it for you and posterity right here:
TO DO:
1. Put my family first.
2. Be where I am, at all times (not in my head, working on my lists).
3. Be kind to everyone.
TO DO NOT:
1. Do not take on so much that I am overwhelmed.
2. Do not take it out on the people I love when I ignore #1.
If you look carefully, you’ll note that nowhere on my lists is there any mention of Christmas cards, gifts, or cookies. No parties, decorations, or Santa photos. Because I don’t have to do any of that stuff. It’s supposed to be fun, not obligatory. So I’ll do however much of the fun stuff that seems manageable, realizing that with two children under four, it may be less than in previous years. Like maybe waaaay less. And that’s fine. But I won’t be screamed by this year. And I won’t be miserable 90% of the time, trying desperately to look Rockwellianly peaceful when I see a camera.
And hey, speaking of Rockwellian peace and cameras, as soon as I figure out what the problem is with this blog and/or gallery and/or blahblahblah, I’m going to post some pictures from Thanksgiving.
Posted by Sara on 12/06/09 at 14:51
If there was a “like” button on your blog, I would totally like this.
Posted by Greg on 12/07/09 at 11:43
me too me too, i like it, i like it a lot.
Posted by Leigh Anne on 12/22/09 at 0:34
I love doing cards…sending them, that is. But I’ve pared my list down, therefore it’s manageable.
I bake cookies…with the girls, for us. And us alone.
I decorate. ‘Cause that’s my thing.
I wrap & gift and all that…cause that’s my thing, too. Last week a friend said to me, after opening a book I’d sent her, “This is how you love…” That was so profound. Took me 35 years to realize that I’m a gifter. (Aka–”here’s a Christmas playlist for ya!”)
But I do NOT stress over having a “perfect” Christmas. ‘Cause there ain’t such a thing. Haven’t we learned ANYTHING from Clark W. Griswold?
p.s. You’re such a good person for this: “be kind to everyone.” That’s the mainest thing, as Scott’s grandmother is fond of saying.