Many of us lose that charming Fa La La when we begin the part time job of preparing for Christmas. Adding a Santa-Sized list to our already multi-tasking life can be overwhelming. Authors Robinson & Staeheli composed this list for their workshops and book entitled Unplug the Christmas Machine
Grab your Ho Ho Pen (and some yummy hot cocoa) and lets get started . . .
Christmas To Do List - (1991) Unplug the Christmas Machine
- Masterminding the gift list
- Inviting friends to the party
- Buying stocking stuffers
- Cooking for the party
- Making or buying stockings
- Cleaning for the party
- Making travel plans
- Shopping for the party
- Helping out at church
- Cleaning up after the party
- Helping out at school
- Buying or cutting down a tree
- Shopping for gifts
- Decorating the tree
- Making gifts
- Helping with Christmas activities at work
- Buying wrapping supplies
- Wrapping gifts
- Making or buying decorations for the house
- Mailing gifts
- Family Advent preparations
- Cleaning up after Christmas
- Planning holiday menus for immediate family
- Writing thank-yous
- Getting kids to write thank-yous
- Putting away decorations
- Disposing of the tree (putting artificial tree away)
- Doing special grocery shopping for immediate family
- Doing holiday baking for family
- Getting ready for relatives
- Taking down outside decorations
- Cooking and shopping for family reunions
- Planning family reunions
- Preparing for holiday travel
- Writing notes on cards
- Putting up inside decorations
- Planning a holiday party for friends
- Volunteering for charity
Step One: Review- Which tasks are primarily your responsibility?
Step Two: Record- Which tasks elicit the "bah humbug" feeling?
Step Three: Remember- Which tasks most closely align with your value system?
Step Four: Reflect- What small changes to your list would create greater meaning this year?
Thanks for the terrific sharing of Christmas memories last week. Please comment with any "aha moments" you experienced in reviewing the Christmas list.
I realized almost all things decorating made me cringe. I think because that part of things causes conflict with my spouse and me: when things are brought up from the basement, how quickly they can be put up (one likes to put stuff where-ever on the tree, one likes to strategically plan locations), how quickly things are taken down, how things are put away - I'm shuddering as I write. My compromise is to usually decorate the one room that has the most visibility with the things we love most. On the flip side, I love the stocking stuffer process - often stockings are the only thing Huz and I exchange at Christmas. I'm actually going to be doing a one-week 'Stocking-stuffer Extravaganza' on my blog the week after next. I love how creative and personal that process can be.
ReplyDeleteI need to learn the art of stocking stuffing! That idea makes ME cringe, but that's because I'm so uncreative with gift giving. I look forward to your post!
DeleteThe list makes me aware of why so many people are cranky this time of year. Love your concept about a stocking stuffer extravaganza, I will gladly link for those who adore this tradition and want new ideas! Great to hear from you both.
DeleteOn the way to Tulsa for a holiday office shopping and family holiday shopping extravaganza, I found this post. Guess what I was taking a break from? Making holiday lists! Garrett and I had to laugh. We were just talking about trying to minimize stress and ENJOY. By the way, I linked to this post in my blog today because your blog is so good at reminding people of balance. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I've cut is Christmas cards. I haven't sent them out in years. With social media I keep up with friends and family much better than in decades past and the idea of a Christmas letter or card just isn't as necessary as it was in years past. I know some people are really cheered by them, but for me it's a two second look and then thrown in a pile. So sorry if you're expecting card form me.
ReplyDelete