New Year’s Resolutions are a fixture. Whether we put them on paper or simply state them internally, they are there. We want to take action and make the new year better.
This year, I am already “behind” on Christmas. I’m not sure why (maybe the fact that Advent began the Sunday after Thanksgiving this year), but Christmas is two weeks from Thursday, and my stress level is rising. With that in mind, I would like to reel in some anxiety so that I might actually enjoy the season. I think a list of resolutions will help me focus on what has to happen. What I want to happen. And the simple beauty of Christmas. So, here goes:
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Decorate simply. Use what you really like and don’t feel compelled to put garland and lights on every non-moving thing in the house.
- Let other people help. This is a ‘control’ thing, and most moms are guilty, whether we want to admit it or not. We complain that no one helps us decorate, but the truth is that they don’t help us because we have spent years insisting that it be done “our” way. Nothing they do can measure up to our standards, so they have given up even offering to help. Take it down a notch, beg on bended knee, if necessary, and promise, promise, promise to neither roll your eyes nor re-do late at night what the helpful elves in your house have done. (If you think your three year old doesn’t realize you have re-distributed the ornaments he put on the tree, you are sadly mistaken. They know. Even at that age.)
- Make lists for shopping and try to organize your trips to save time and gas. If you know the only puzzle shop is 45 minutes away, combine that stop with other shopping in that end of town. Common sense, I know. But I have been guilty of forgetting (more times than I want to confess) and having to go back to that part of town the next day.
- Don’t worry about Christmas cards. If they get sent, great. But if not, what’s wrong with sending them the week after Christmas? Or like my friend Kathy, send Valentine cards with pictures and small family updates. I love her idea, and this might be the year to steal it!
- Act on the belief that children and teenagers don’t need 15 gifts (or more) to open. They just don’t. And overindulgence isn’t good for any of us. At any age. Repeat: I will not over-do. I will not over-do.
- Do more cooking and baking for my family and others. Fattening, I know. But it only happens once a year. It’s also a fun way to spend a weekend day with your kids. Find creative, inexpensive ways to package your goods. Inexpensive plates, cellophane, and bows or Chinese food boxes (found at Michael’s) are perfect for this.
- Play Christmas music in the house and in the car.
- Watch sappy, sweet Christmas movies with the family.
- Have coffee or lunch with a friend. An easy way to keep in touch.
- Get enough sleep.
- Be sure to have all sizes of batteries and to charge camera batteries before the big day.
- Thank people genuinely for their friendship.
- Go to church on Christmas Eve. It keeps it all in perspective.
- Call your mother and father if you are lucky enough to still have them.
- Smile at people. Even total strangers.
If I really stick to this list, Christmas will be a blessing. Hope it’s the same for you and yours.
