My Holiday To-do List

Everyone has their holiday to-do list. Some of these are newly created, while others are long-standing family traditions. Here are the 10 things I do and why I do them.

1. Tree goes up the weekend after Thanksgiving. The process of pulling out ornaments bring back memories of picking them out and remembering people and places from times in the past.

2. Christmas lights viewing. We drive around in the car, loaded with Christmas music and drive around appreciating how much effort some folks make. We score the best and those who achieve risking peril in placing lights or Christmas props up high.

3. Christmas cookie baking. We've been baking Christmas cookies every season to share with people. What is better than sharing sweets with people?

4. We give stuff away. Christmas time is a perfect opportunity to access what we have loved, but no longer play, use or need. Giving things away clears space for some of the new stuff that will arrive (all you parents know what I mean). Even better, instead of buying toys, have you child select toys to give to other friends or other families that may have younger children. You child will feel the joy of giving and feel like Santa.

5. Advent Calendar. I purchased an advent with pockets when the Dude was in preschool. I fill it with love, little tokens and delicious chocolates. He always looks forward to opening them. In the past I've packed it with happy thoughts, promises to go ice skating or game nights. This is one of my favorite things to do.

6. I listen to Christmas music a much as possible. I change my car radio to the Christmas station. I love love love Christmas music.

7. We watch the Polar Express. Every single year. The Dude loves this movie and we make sure to drink hot coco during the song.

8. We go to December nights. Haven't missed a year since moving back in 2009. Now that he's older, we finish the evening by watching the production of The Christmas Story at the Organ Pavilion. If you haven't seen it before, I highly recommend it. Must do - stop at the Gingerbread house for hot coco and a gingerbread man cookie (or whichever cookie you like).

9. We open one Christmas "eve" present. This year the Dude got to open his last night because we're not together until Boxing Day (Dec. 26). This present is a pair of pajamas (usually). Since we were seeing Star Wars and today is pajama day at school, you can probably guess what sort of pajamas he received.

10. The family get together and meal. We're not doing "Christmas" or I suppose you can say we're delaying it. Of course presents will be exchanged, but part of me feels Christmas morning can't be delayed. So, we're doing a Boxing Day evening celebration. Yeah to being part Canadian!


The most important part of the to-do list? To remember what is important. It isn't presents. It is the feeling of giving. Giving your time, your love and your full attention to those who matter most to you. People move away, leave us permanently and kids grow older the magic fades. Whatever is on your list, remember to enjoy these moments and to pass along what is most important to you. For me, it is love. I wish everyone feels more love in 2018. Happy Christmas to you and yours!