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What would you change about your holidays this year? Big or small, what would you do differently?
Right now, before you tuck the decorations away for another year, before you put the recipe box back on the shelf, before you write your thank-you
cards, think about what you'd do differently next year. Write a note to yourself and tuck it into the first holiday box you'll open next year.
Think of it as a letter to yourself for next year. Your memory is fresh right now, use it!!
These are the things I want to remember for next year:
1. I budgeted, and I didn't die. It was hard to not buy all the things I wanted to buy for people, but it was fine and now I don't have those horrendous bills to pay from years past. I want to remember that restraint didn't feel good on December 19, but it feels very good on December 29.
2. Three pounds of meat isn't quite enough.
3. I do not need any more ribbons or wrapping paper, regardless of the amount of the store discount.
4. I am destined to argue with my brother unless I just realize, once and for all, that we are radically different souls and that it's not going to change. (And that I, especially, cannot change him.)
5. Christmas lights make things seem magical.
6. Just like we tell kids, the presents I MADE(photographs of my nieces and nephews, blown up large for their parents) were the most fun to give, and caused the best expressions of delight on the recipients' faces.
7. Start earlier next year. The rush at the end is no fun.
8. Either do the Christmas cards early, or blow them off early, but don't beat myself up about it for a month.
9. I need to be as open to receiving as to giving. This is hard for me sometimes, and I wonder why.
10. Cookies are not really necessary.
There. I'm going to print it out, I may make a few more notes to myself in the margins, and I'm tucking it into the box with the wreaths, because it's the first box I get out every year.
What about you? What would you change?
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Add a Comment2 Comments
Your list hits home with me in many ways and provides excellent suggestions. The one thing I need to do this year is discard or give away the decorations I haven't used in years but "hate to get rid of, because I just might need them".
Next year I want to spend more time celebrating the true meaning of Christmas and less time celebrating the trappings of the holiday which fade away. One of the blessings of impending old age is that I am letting go of the many things that used to cause me concern and waste a lot of time. I want to strive to spend that time sharing the gifts of the spirit which I have been given with others who are not so blessed.
Blessings
December 30, 2008 - 9:12amThis Comment
I usually have gifts purchased by September, and cards and packages mailed by Thanksgiving. This year, however, because my schedule has been too busy, I was lucky to get the tree up and decorated by Christmas Eve's family dinner, and we never did get the outdoor lights put up.
What budget? My 2009 daily planner is already being filled with to-do notes to better handle next year's holiday tasks and budget.
Next year, I would like to have the time to do more community-oriented holiday sharing.
Good list!
December 29, 2008 - 7:56pmThis Comment