I probably made my first list before I could write. There have always been too many ideas, things to do and things to remember.  I was making lists of what I had to do, so that I could start doing what I longed to do. I used to plan my homework as soon as I got my books in the beginning of the year. Not to do well, just to do what I had to every night, and then enjoy as much time off as possible. For someone watching me there would be no difference. I could be doing my history lesson, cross off my list, and keep reading history. I would be doing my english homework, cross it off, and start reading an english novel.

I had to have lists though, to keep me on track. It used to be like that for Christmas. Long lists and detailed planning, crossing it off and then enjoying what never made it to the list. Making ornaments, quilting, painting, baking cookies, festooning garlands, buying gifts, listening to music.

Only I would know the difference, and knowing me everyone would think I had a Christmas to do list, still. I do not. There is absolutely nothing you have to do for Christmas to come. There are countless opportunities of things we may do to help us remember why we like to invite the season into our homes.

Now, I do as Scrooge learned to do. I keep Christmas all year round. It is not a time of the year, but a place in my heart. All year I will be finding gifts and decorations, all year I will have fun planning and visualizing. Through fall items will find their way into my shopping basket that have to wait in the larder for Christmas. And then, in the first weeks of december I will take stock. Most of the gifts will be ready, there will be surprises planned.

Then I will do something Christmas related every day for december. Not to get it done, but to make both body and soul remember to celebrate peace, forgiveness and new beginnings.

Then, finally, I will make a list. The gifts I have not bought, the food everyone would love to have, the concert I just plain forgot all about. You see, I am old enough to play first and do homework last now, and you know, everybody will feel the difference. Christmas celebrations made with duty are simply not the same as festivities that spring forth from joy.

Believe me, I know better than most how frantic and exhausting it is possible to make the season of peace and goodwill. The main story on Indexyourlife in December will be my way to a Christmas free of tangles.

In December my brother and I write an advent calendar blog together in norwegian.You may visit at  JULEFRYD or Christmas Joy. This year we will be writing or sharing thoughts and joys of gifts, giving and sharing. We will post there every day, and I will share some of that blog here on indexyourlife too.

All pictures at Indexyourlife are mine, if not otherwise stated.