There’s a familiar holiday song that goes something like, “He’s making a list, checkin’ it twice…” etc. Well, first of all I’ve always thought the lyrics should be changed to reflect what really happens during the holiday season: “She’s making a list, checkin’ it thrice (then running ‘round like crazy and NO, it’s not so nice). And then I began to wonder if making a ‘to-do’ list is really the best way to deal with the stress of the holiday season (and life in general) – after all, a list is a tangible reminder that we have way too much to do and no time to do it.
Then last week I discovered there was a far less stressful way to approach things: Turn the concept of the list on its head and start making a ‘not-to-do’ list. How? Well, like me there’s probably stuff on your to-do list you actually don’t need to do, especially during the holiday season. For example, do you really need to head to the malls a gazillion times, fight through crowds of stressed out people, just to buy run-of-the-mill presents and made-in-China stocking stuffers? Or can you move ‘mall visits’ to your ‘not-to-do’ list, and shop at local stores, make your own gifts or, better yet, move all your 'purchase-presents tasks' to your not-to-do list and give a gift of time to your loved one. For example, you could have tea with you Great Aunt Mabel or take your Mom out for dinner or build a gingerbread house with your kids. It's such a wonderful concept, although you may get some resistance from your family, especially if it's your turn to cook the turkey dinner. But, if anyone complains I would just tell them you’ve just double-checked your ‘not-to-do’ list and if they want dessert they’ll have to bring it themselves. Already the weight of the season’s expectations is lifting from my shoulders. Now, I’m actually looking forward to the delights of the holiday season – both the nice and the little bit naughty.
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