Christmas Preparation December 2007

Were you one of the thousands of people lined at the post office to mail cards or packages on the busiest mailing days of the year? I hope not. It’s not like we should be surprised as Christmas rolls around each year at the same time. After learning how to cope this year, here’s how we can be ready next year.
1. The first week of December, make a Christmas card list. It must include those you actually like, those who are related to you, and those who sent you a card last year.
2. Ask your children and grandchildren what they would like for Christmas and take out a second mortgage. (I’m just kidding on that one)
3. Make a list of gifts to buy or make. Remember postal and paper carriers, hair dressers, teachers, neighbors, librarians, garbage collectors and just about everyone else you know.
4. Mail packages out of the country now and hope they make it by January.

Week two, start your holiday shopping and max out your credit cards. (Again, just kidding) If making gifts, begin that king-sized quilt for your parents now so as to finish by summer since it surely won’t be done by December 25th.
Week three, search for the perfect tree if you are not using an artificial tree that was put up the day after Thanksgiving. Remember to put non-breakable ornaments on the bottom of the tree in case pets or babies become curious about whether they are edible or not. .
Week four is for last-minute details such as wrapping (presents) around the clock, planning Christmas dinner, and checking to be sure your fine china is clean since it has not been used since last Christmas.
On Christmas Day do not try to sleep late as your children may have opened every gift and may be ready for breakfast by 6 a.m. Put the turkey in to bake all morning and relax – for five minutes before assembling the vegetable casserole and salad, cutting and arranging crudités, setting the table, making the dessert, carving the turkey and baking homemade rolls.
Try to be thankful that we have so much to eat and gobs of wrapping paper to throw away from an abundance of gifts from friends and relatives. Most of all be thankful for the Christ child who was born to die for us that we may live forever with Him.