November 1 was official Cleanse and List Day around here. I feel so much better. Some serious pumpkin-pitching, one manic trip to the carwash, a fast-acting Fiber One bar for breakfast and I am a whole new woman.I also got my new yellow legal pad (mini-size) ready for the annual Christmas list.
Now I know there is certainly some higher-tech way I should be organizing my Christmas plans. I know there probably is some foolproof holiday app right at my fingertips. But, quite frankly, I enjoy keeping the holiday a pen-and-paper kind of operation, okay?
Besides, my kids will definitely find the list if it's hidden on the iPhone. But if it is out in plain sight, on the kitchen counter, on the same kind of paper that I use for the Saturday chore lists, they will avoid it like a green vegetable.
I have saved my Christmas legal pads for years all wrapped up in rubber bands. I think it's fun to go back and read what I gave everybody in 2008 (Phillies' World Series sweatshirts) and what the kids wanted when they were really little. (2010 will be the first Christmas in years with no Thomas trains under the tree. Sniff.)
At the back of my little trusty legal pads, I also write a post-holiday review and helpful hints to remember next year. Order more cards! Send packages before Thanksgiving! Neighbor cookie party= big hit! Reading notes from my former festive self actually energizes me and gets me right back in the holiday spirit.
Last year I wrote: Keep It Simple! No Homemade Anything!
Now, I am NOT trying to rush the Christmas season. I honestly became nauseous last week in Hobby Lobby's pine and tinsel aisle. (Seriously, how can anyone stomach Silver Bells and cinnamon pine cones when it is 89 degrees?)
However turning 40 has led me down a path of increased self-awareness and I DO know myself pretty well after all these years. I know that I am an early bird....I get my best day's work done before noon, I get my best holiday cheer on before Thanksgiving. The longer I leave tasks undone, even fun yuletide tasks, the less likely I am to ever get them finished.
So today, I struck while the iron (and desert sun) were hot. I ordered a few gifts online. I planned a few holiday surprises. I threw out the Jack-o-lanterns. I walked off a couple Hershey miniatures. It felt good.
Holiday madness? Bring it on. My legal pad and I are ready.
For now anyway.
11 comments:
wooohoo.. you go, gab. this is an awesome way to organize your christmas-ing. kinda ironic since i just planned a post about making a whole entire binder. but it looks like you are again the wiser in simplifying the season!
i think if you spread out the hectic holiday stuff, you aren't so maddening near the end. if we start thinking about stuff now, we'll have the time for those little random must-do's that crop up every december.
my one tip: get a cute haircut and new blouse before the season hits; that way you'll feel ready for all those fancy parties and pictures.
I love the legal pad idea. You are so right...nobody will look on that list. I always knew you were a complete and total genius.
You rock. Wow. I am in the mode as well. Got the first gift yesterday from UPS. The card is ready to send to the printer. It is going to be in the 60's today. Bring it on!!
You are my soul sister. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a list. I wish I'd have saved ours from years past. That would have been way fun.
I'm going to find my legal pad right now...
I love legal pads! I do all my talks for church on them still. There's just something about a pencil or pen scribbling on a yellow pad that does my heart good. And what better way to have your heart feel during the holiday season?
Oma and Opa are coming. Make sure that's on your list!
i love how you specified the legal pad was mini-sized. i too love my lists. scribbled on whatever scrap of paper was convenient, they have guided me through madness.
i wonder if you'll change your decor up at all to match your new surroundings.
Love those pads. I need to buy a pack myself! Hope you enjoy your little trip! Take that notepad with ya!
You rock! I love the lists. My life could not function without lists. I just purchased my first gift tonight . . . WOO-HOO!
Jealous! You're rockin' it... I'm thinking about it. I always plan to start early...
Man I need some fast acting Fiber One bars myself. I can't lay off my kids' Halloween candy.
I have totally started buying Christmas presents--it is not too early. I hope to get by Christmas cards ordered this week and I'm on my way!
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