My Holiday Not-To-Do List
I was recently on a Zoom call with my dear friend and mentor, Cynthia Heald. Cynthia has been an integral part of my life for over 20 years, and she continues to bring insight and wisdom through her Bible studies and friendship. As we were discussing her latest study, Becoming Like Jesus, she turned her attention to the upcoming holidays and asked us to ponder what it might look like to become more like Jesus as we enter the often-chaotic next few months. One thought she shared struck me; make a “not-to-do” list. Genius, I thought. And so I began…
1. I am not going to overbook the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. My husband cringes at the oft-exclaimed announcements that begin in early November and continue until the years’ end, “I just booked…” Musicals, concerts, church events, gatherings, parties, open-houses; I want to attend them all! This year I am going to limit our commitments and perhaps even experience a little “JOMO” (the joy of missing out).
2. I am not going to overdecorate. This will be a hard one. We host an Open House yearly and this year we are on the tour of homes for our village. I will attempt to be more selective and simpler with my decorations this year. However, I recognize that this is an opportunity to invest in people (one of the few things that God reminds us lasts forever) so my focus will be more on our guests than decorations.
3. I am not going to overspend and feel guilty by comparing my gifts with others. My children will probably not appreciate this, but they are grown, make decent money, and all have two sets of parents now. My grands all have (at least) two sets of grandparents. This year, I am not going to feel that I am their only source of gifted happiness.
4. I am not going to wrap stocking stuffers. A tradition my mother lovingly required; this tedious act has caused me stress for 50 years. Imagine having to wrap at least 60 (10 per kid plus a hubby) small, weird-shaped trinkets and not ending up in a tizzy. Bless my mother who is in heaven this year enjoying many jewels in her crown for wrapping stocking gifts many, many years for her children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren (that’s 16!) It makes me crazy just thinking about it.
5. I am not going to place expectations on friends and family. I will hold commitments loosely and not be overly disappointed when people cancel plans. Instead, I will trust God’s sovereignty in the season.
6. I am not going to give more to anyone else than what I give to Jesus. Whether through our church’s giving to foreign missions or other opportunities to be a blessing, I will present my best gifts to Jesus.
7. I am not going to get caught up in the chaotic frenzy and miss the beauty of Advent.
I want to sit longer and savor more sweetly the anticipation of the coming King with greater joy and gratitude than ever before.
This is the start of my “not-to-do” list. What might you consider adding to yours?