Christmas Lessons Learned
1. I must shop earlier next year. Visiting NorthPark Mall after December 1st is like an episode of Survivor. You play the human version of Frogger in the parking lot, followed by an elbow battle in front of the mall directory in order to find the store you are looking for. When you reach your retail destination, its usually a test of of your sensory system to find the item you want, since you are shouting a sales person over very loud music, trying to read their lips to get the answer you need, then using your sense of direction to try and locate the end of the very looong line to checkout.
2. I must take more time to enjoy the festivities next year. For some reason I felt very rushed this year. Thanksgiving to Christmas seemed to fly by. Then we spent Sunday - Wednesday visiting families and driving all over in order to get to those families. I felt like I was just checking off a to do list instead of actually enjoying the holiday.
3. I will budget more money for Christmas charity donations next year. This year I decided to donate to a small animal rescue organization in Dallas. Since then I have received emails of thanks as well as a newsletter about the efforts the organization makes to improve the lives of animals. I honestly think my small monetary gift has given me more reward than I deserve for the small amount I donated. Next year I’d like to triple the amount I donate to this organization - which is still not much, but I know the money will help some very deserving animals.
4. I will put up my Christmas decorations earlier next year. This year we were unable to put up any decorations until 4 days before Christmas. But as soon as those tree lights turned on, I found my Christmas spirit! I don’t know what it is about those decorations, but they change my whole attitude. I think putting them up earlier will help me to enjoy the season - instead of just rushing through it.