Monday, November 20, 2006

Monday--Misty's Challenge

Not much feedback around here, but I'm still hanging in there and I have a good holiday challenge for all of us. We all hear, "Let's focus on the real meaning of the holidays, and let go of the material." Let's face it--we're not going to stop Christmas shopping, preparing food for Thanksgiving feasts, going here and there for this party or that meal. Let's have a better goal in mind. PLANNING AHEAD!!


"Ack! I don't have time to plan!" you might say. "Oh, but you DO have time to run around like a chicken with your head cut off?" Let's remember one word: settle. Settle down and start making lists. List everything you need to make for Thanksgiving and where it's going. Make a shopping list for all of it. Make a Christmas list for every person you plan on buying for--even little things, even neighbors. List ideas and items as you buy them. If you're on a budget, write down how much you're spending for whom. If you get organized with this, you won't end up forgetting someone on Christmas Eve and have to rush out to the gas station to buy an oil funnel and a Hershey bar.

The challenge lies in planning far enough in advance to where you know where you're going, what you're doing, and what you're cooking/buying before the last minute. Try simplifying by only choosing a few dishes or recipes to prepare for each get-together--especially if you're NOT hosting--just one will usually do. Christmas shopping can be simplified by buying online (my favorite way to shop). Or, you can get several people the same kind of gift or go with gift certificates/gift cards. One of the most important tools for planning ahead--a calendar!! Write down each party, each get-together and important tasks to do (like baking pies) and check the calendar each day. Plan ahead for childcare for Christmas parties a few weeks early and you hopefully won't be left hanging on to the youngins (my big hope!).

I'm hoping that by planning ahead and organizing well, we can save ourselves lots of stress and anxiety and then really ENJOY and appreciate the REAL meaning of the holiday season--thankful for what God has blessed us with, and using it for His glory and to love our families and friends.

6 comments:

Sean Carter said...

Planning ahead actually helps a lot!! Thanx a lot for pointing it out, many of us lack the organising skills but if u have a planned scheme in your mind, things are bound to fall in place, you can avoid many loop holes too!! Meanwhile if you are looking out for some cool and innovative stuff you can jus peep into my
Holiday Blog.....

Joan said...

:-)

new and innovative...oil funnels and Hersey bars are not new and innovative enough for you?

Great post!

(If you blogged just for me...it would be enough. Keeps me going to know you are there and in the game...truly)
Maggie

Mysti said...

Thanks for the comments! I'll have to check out this holiday blog. New ideas are always welcome.

Anonymous said...

What a great reminder to get our minds in gear. Disorganization can certainly kill the Christmas spirit. Makes me want to grab a notebook and start planning.

Anonymous said...

I made a Turkey Day List today. I went into word and typed in Thanksgiving list and a list popped up, I had a lot of fun doing that. And it is pretty with a turkey and the date and everything. I am going this afternoon to get everything unlike the usual when I go on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Maybe will be a little relief.

Mysti said...

Anything you can do to lighten the load and enjoy the day more is good!