Posted by Anne  

Do you think Santa might be a change-phobe too?!

Halloween is long gone, and I’m sure you’ve noticed.  Holiday commercials have already begun, and it won’t be long before the Food Network begins it’s seemingly endless parade of turkey, cranberries, and creamy cocktails.  The holidays are coming, folks. 

When I think of the impending seasonal flurry of activity, I think of family, music, and all sorts festive merriment.  And I also think of planning.  Lots and lots of planning.  Not that I mind, actually.  With menus to plan, shopping to do, and suitcases to pack, the holidays provide ample opportunity for lists.  For a planning addict like myself, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. 

I promise it’s not just because I just love making those lists, and checking them twice.  The real reason for my holiday list obsession is this:  I want to be the ideal hostess.  I never feel like I completely achieve this, but I totally admire those people who can whisk their way in and out of holiday décor, looking breezily festive, and holding plates of yummy hors d’oeuvres.  A good host or hostess makes you feel relaxed, at home, and totally worry-free.  They make you feel like you never need a list again.  For me, the only way to even partially achieve this is to craft my lists carefully, and abide by them dutifully throughout the holidays.  I hate last-minute additions or changes to my plan, so I find solace and calm in my lists.

Now, my husband would beg to differ.  Whenever I volunteer to host something, he gets a little edgy.  He gives me that look—half-pity, half-encouragement—and asks the age-old question, “Are you sure this isn’t going to stress you out, honey?”  Me?  Stressed?  Why would I be stressed?  I have my lists, don’t I?  Sure, maybe I fly around the house a little too intensely the day before a party or holiday event.  But somehow…this is all part of the anticipation for me.  The storm before the calm.  The work before it’s time to, well, party.  It’s just how I work.  But maybe…

I don't know what these are, but they look good...

Will I grow tired of this holiday pace?  I keep thinking of my Mom, another holiday-list-maker, who frankly grew mighty tired of all those lists come the end of December.  (Of course I only discovered this as an adult.)  And I think of the time when my holidays will also incorporate gift-buying for children, stocking stuffers, cookies for Santa, and covert wrapping operations in the middle of the night.  And I see those lists just piling higher and higher.  

I sometimes wonder…is there another way to hostess?  Another way to celebrate the holiday season? Obviously, I know there is.  I’m just not sure I’ve ever tried it.  I know there are those of you who know how this is done.  Who can host a crowd with minimal planning, and who do your shopping without the aid of lists.  How can I approach the holidays in the traditional way I’ve always loved, and sacrifice a bit of the frenzy? 

Or is my list-making frenzy just part of the deal?  Should I resolve myself that ‘Tis the Season to Make Lists?  After all, it seems to work for Santa…