My Many Holiday Lists

564

By Kathy Miele

I was sitting at the dining room table surrounded by papers when my husband, Steven, came into the room. “What are you working on?” he asked.
“All my holiday lists,” I said as I shifted one paper out of the way and began writing on another.
“Why do you have so many?” he asked. “Why can’t it all be on one?”
I tried not to outwardly laugh but inside I was hysterical. Steven had no idea how each year the holidays came together with such precision. He just knew it happened. In times like these I envied his ignorance.
Because it wouldn’t fit on one paper,” I explained as I handed him the list with an envelope stapled to it.
“That’s the gift list,” I said. “It’s broken up by each of the families with the ages and appropriate gift ideas for everyone. This is the one that I’ll carry with me at all times for the next few weeks. When I see a gift I need I’ll check the name off the list and put the receipt in the envelope so I know where it is in case someone needs to make an exchange.”
”Impressive,” Steven said. He picked up another paper from the table.
“That one would be the card list from last year,” I said.
“I thought you went through our address book.”
“I do,” I said. “But I also need that list you’re holding so I don’t forget anyone. I can’t tell you how embarrassing it is to get a card a few days before the holiday and realize you didn’t send them a card.” I pushed the larger pile of holiday cards out of the way to show him the smaller pile of cards. “If I get caught by one or two unexpected card senders I add them to the list then send them a Happy New Year card instead.”
“You’ve really put a lot of thought into this,” Steven said while looking over the other lists surrounding me.
“It can get pretty involved,” I admitted. I picked up another paper. “I have a list for all ingredients I’ll need for the cookies. Another list for the holiday meals I’ll be serving that also includes a section for the linens I’ll be using and the serving dishes I’ll need.”
“Wow!”
“I know.” I was actually very proud of my list making skills. “Right now I need to go up in the attic to update my inventory list of wrapping paper, gift bags and bows I’ll need for my annual wrapping night. I don’t want a repeat of last year.”
“What happened last year?”
“I ran out of tape!” I looked at him with surprise. I can’t believe you don’t remember that. You had to run out in the middle of the night to get me more.”
“I really don’t remember, but you know me, I’m always ready to help make the holidays special.” He went over to open the attic door. “Let me get this for you while you go up and do your inventory list.”
“Thanks, Steven.”
He flipped on the light switch. “I’m here to help in any way I can.”