what to do

So, I'm  thinking about Christmas. I like the idea of using the extra time we have together to do fun, meaningful activities (because they can be both, right?)....but when I think of all the things we could do, those things become (in my mind) what we should do. Then? I get overwhelmed. And, in my experience with me, when I get overwhelmed, I end up doing nothing.*

Last year we were in Texas, so all we had to do was show up. The year before that we had been married just two months, and all I wanted to take on was Christmas dinner (it seemed like enough, if you know what I mean). This year, though, I'm feeling like it's time to step up, time to make our home a place of celebration (rather than a place of doing the bare minimum).

And so I have a plan. A tiny plan, really. Just something to help me be purposeful around the house, in the kitchen, with our church and with our neighbors. I have a list of (mostly small) activities, some for me and Ivan (though at this point it's me doing, and him in the pictures, which is really best all around), and some for all three of us. And if my little boy isn't too sick this afternoon, my plan kicks off later today when Brett comes home early from work.

* which I think is the reason for my box of unfinished knitting projects. That's what I tell Brett, anyway.

p.s. any traditions you want to share?

Christmas in Texas, 2011