Made a List, Checking it Twice

I am a list person. I get more things done by making a list of things to do the night before. The list keeps me focused on what I prioritized to be done the next day. I am a person, I will be working on something, then go to get a tool or put an item away and see another things that needs to be done, and start working on that task and not finish the one I was working on first. A list keeps me from starting a lot of projects and finishing none. I also make a list when it comes to celebrating a holiday or preparing for a visit. My list for Christmas is almost complete.

Decorate tree – done

Decorate inside of house – done

Send Christmas Cards – done

Bake cinnamon rolls – done

Bake cookies – on the to do list

Make Church Windows – on the to do list

Buy Christmas Presents – done

Wrap Christmas Presents – almost done, waiting for one more delivery.

Decorate gingerbread houses – half done.

My list for Christmas 2022 is almost done. All that is left to do is the fun things, cooking and decorating cookies and gingerbread houses. One of my favorite interests is cooking, baking and decorating cookies and cakes. I get joy out of the presentation of the food I prepare and cook, as well as the taste.

This year, I made a conscious effort to enjoy each task on my list. I want to savor the moments of this Christmas. A couple of months back, I did some reflection on Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations and realized I was busy doing the decorating and preparing for the holidays, but not savoring the individual moments. This year I decorated slower, took my time and enjoyed each part of the process. Tonight I wrapped all the gifts for my husband and my daughter’s family. I took special time and creative effort with this year’s wrapping and presentation of each gift.

It is so very easy to fall into being so busy, working at a fast pace to get everything done and go to every Christmas event – we forget to enjoy and savor each activity. Slow down, breathe and savor the moments that make Christmas 2022. There will be only one Christmas 2022. Next year we will celebrate Christmas 2023.

This year I made a smaller list of tasks to complete for Christmas 2023. I did not decorate the outside of the house, as I did not have time due to working on some other projects with my husband. There is still time to adjust your list of tasks you want to complete to allow you time to enjoy the moments of celebrating the holiday, instead of hurrying through the holiday season.

amtolle