The Christmas List(s)

I love to make lists. Lists for shopping, lists for cleaning, lists for stuff to do. You should see my calendar in the kitchen: full of lists of little things to remember, to do, places to go, etc. etc. And when I've completed an activity, I highlight it. Seriously, sometimes I make lists just to see them highlighted and completed. It's a feeling of satisfaction next to vacuuming. Like a weight has been lifted or at least all the cat fur has been sucked up.

Christmas requires a separate list or multiple lists. Luckily I don't have to write them down, because DEAR GOD you should just know that these things are NECESSARY to make Christmas happen:

- Christmas cards
- Christmas tree
- Decorations
- Lights
- Shopping and wrapping gifts
- Visiting Santa
- Making cookies
- Special parties/playdates/etc.
- Etc. etc.

I say the above with a very tongue in cheek attitude. Of course nothing above is "necessary" to make Christmas happen, but, those are the basics that go along with the season.

Well, I'm done. Not just highlighted done, but done. I'm tired. I realize now that I am very manic about Christmas - hurry hurry get it done so you can relax!! Well, I don't relax well. So why do I hurry? Such a problem. Anyway, my point is, I've done all the stuff on the above list and I'm sort of annoyed at myself that I didn't take more time to do these things more slowly. Yes, I've enjoyed the process and yes, I'm way pleased it's all done and out of the way. But I really need to slow down and enjoy the process instead of end result of knowing I've done what's "necessary" to celebrate Christmas.

What I didn't put on the list, and what has been bothering me lately, is that I haven't been to church in a while -- the REAL reason we celebrate Christmas. I didn't go for a long time because of lack of energy/lack of sleep. Poor excuse but I think one I can use with small children and feeling overwhelmed. Then I did my long runs on Sunday mornings. So I had church with the trail. A spiritual activity, yes. But not the same.

So the last thing on my list, which really shouldn't get highlighted off as "completed" because it's something I want to have always on my list to do and enjoy, is to go to church. I do love Advent so. So my goal is to attend church more often and SLOW DOWN. We have had fun this season and enjoyed it, and it's still two weeks until Christmas. So we've got some time to hopefully make more cookies, sing more carols, and celebrate even more.