Making a List, Checking It Twice
Making a list, checking it twice…but it has nothing to do with naughty or nice. It’s to get me organized. I’m a list maker. I have a notebook in my purse at all times, complete with tabs to keep the lists in order; prayer requests, to do lists, books I want to read. The notebook on my cell phone has pages of lists too; sizes, favorite colors, gift ideas.
By the week after Thanksgiving I’m typically pushed for time, not sleeping well, and have filled pages in my notebooks with things I have to do. This year is different. The lists are shorter and less complicated. Less to do and less to plan. The gift giving is more practical, things loved ones need or a donation to someone whose needs are greater.
Scott and I decided to forgo our annual Christmas party. The hectic pace is just too much. Instead, I’m hosting a luncheon for a ministry team at church. Scott and I have invited neighbors for a Christmas gathering and the board members of an organization he serves for a Christmas dinner. My lists seem manageable this year.
As a family, we decided to take in a Christmas concert, just the four of us. And we’re serving together over Christmas Break. The Family Advent Service at our church, quiet dinners in front of the fire, the Holidazzle Parade downtown Minneapolis, and skiing at the local hill where the boys are ski instructors are all part of the simple plan for the month of December. The goal is to have more time to focus on the real “Reason for the Season”…the birth of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace.
Get your kids involved in planning the holiday season. An evening at home decorating the tree, unwrapping each ornament, telling stories of Christmas past may be more appealing than you think. Maybe going to the local park to spend the afternoon skating or volunteering as a family to be bell ringers, collecting money for the Salvation Army. Make a list…a list of how to look at Christmas through the lenses of faith and family.
My short list is almost completed. The tree is trimmed. The house is decorated. The cards are ordered. Check, check, and check off the list. It’s a simpler Christmas this year.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6b
Download the Very Merry Christmas Recipes & Crafts for Families from the 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Team! The 1 Corinthians 13 Parenting Ministry provides expert faith-filled information and heartfelt encouragement for parents and ministry leaders. Book a workshop or retreat for your church or parent group.
© 2012 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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