Christmas is barreling down upon us; it’s less than three weeks until the blessed event. I for one am feeling the pressure of getting everything done, while I also want to enjoy the season.
Too often we don’t stop and ask ourselves: Will eliminating this activity make a noticeable difference in everyone’s enjoyment of the holiday? If the answer is “No,” consider the corollary: “Will eliminating this activity make a considerable difference in my own enjoyment of said holiday?” If the answer is yes, then here’s a place to trim.
I can’t make a list that works for everyone, but some ideas follow. Reduce your gift list. Or consider gift cards. Use trendy sacks instead of wrapping paper. Forget the outdoor lights just once. Bake less. Skip sending cards, and pick up the phone instead.
What specific ideas am I considering? For one, I’m not displaying every single Christmas decoration I own. Rather I’m choosing my favorites and letting the rest take a break. I’ll appreciate them more next year. I’m not worrying if I remember the paper delivery person. I understand that person gets up at the crack of dawn, day in and day out, so that we can have our paper. Still this is part of the job. If I decide not to reward our delivery person, I will decide not to feel guilty too.
I’m also culling my gift list beyond the paper delivery person. We live in a condo complex and have three neighbors who share the quad building with us. In the past I’ve tried to show my neighborly-ness with a small gift at Christmas. This year, I’m passing. If it means I’m less of a neighbor, so be it.
And while I love playing Christmas music, this year I’m not spending hours practicing carols on my piano. Instead, I’m listening to others work musical magic as I trim our tree. Or wrap gifts. Or put my feet up.
Leave a Reply