First of all, we all have certain definitions and expectations of what Christmas is. Of course most basic reason and definition of “Christ”mas is that we celebrate birth of Christ. (A fact that is far too often overlooked which we will talk more about in a moment.) Review following list of typical Christmas events and chores and consider in these areas what your expectations for season, and of yourself.

•Making up a gift list •Shopping for those gifts •Making, wrapping, mailing gifts •Making cards •Writing cards •Holiday baking •Getting and decorating tree •Decorating house •Putting up Christmas lights •Helping with school activities •Helping with church activities •Volunteer or charity work •Traditional holiday events (concerts, plays, festivals) •Special holiday cleaning •Preparing for houseguests •Preparing company meals •Hosting parties •Planning family gatherings •Preparing for holiday travel

Now that you’ve mentally determined your expectations, what are your resources? How much time do you have available for these extra activities? Do you work full-time or part-time outside your home? What everyday commitments do you already have? Are there other people in your family to whom these things are important and who would be willing to help? That last sentence is really an important one to analyze.

Dilemma: You have an expectation that Christmas just isn’t Christmas without having hundreds of lights gracing outside of your home, trees and bushes. But you have so many other to-do lists that you expect your spouse to take care of lights--(after all, your father always took care of that when you were growing up.) Your husband never grew up with lights on exterior of house and it just isn’t that important to him.