Every holiday season, I find myself making choices I later regret. However, this year will be different. I’ve resolved to be more intentional and avoid past mistakes. Here’s a list of what I will not do this Christmas season:
- Craft handmade gifts. While they might be infused with love, that doesn’t mean they belong under the tree—especially for those who might be on the naughty list.
- Use colorful language in front of my kids while putting up decorations. No matter how frustrating it is to untangle lights, I must keep my cool around the little ones.
- Leave my holiday budget spreadsheet open on the computer. Nothing kills the festive spirit like a lecture on spending habits.
- Give my mother-in-law a “New Jersey Landmarks” calendar, hoping to win her over to the state where I’ve settled her son. The Rhode Islander in her isn’t likely to change her views anytime soon.
- Attempt a gingerbread house with my children. Seriously, who thought icing would be an effective building material?
- Buy educational toys just for the sake of learning. My storage space can only hold so many unopened science kits and math games.
- Rely on my partner to water the Christmas tree. If he can’t remember to feed our dog—a living creature—why would he remember a giant plant?
- Bake sugar-free cookies and present them as gifts. This has proven to be a surefire way to alienate friends.
- Drop hints to my partner about what I want for Christmas. Subtlety is definitely not his strong suit.
- Wear a wool turtleneck sweater to Christmas Eve service. If you want to make a long service even longer, that’s the way to do it.
- Wait until 10 PM on Christmas Eve to search for batteries. A new remote control helicopter that doesn’t work on Christmas morning is a recipe for disappointment.
- Leave my dog alone with Santa’s cookies. A disaster waiting to happen.
- Turn off “A Christmas Story” at any point during the day. The holiday just doesn’t feel complete without the continuous echo of Ralphie’s adventures.
For more insights into preparing for new family additions, check out this post on fertility boosters for men. And if you’re considering home insemination, a great resource can be found at Intracervical Insemination, which provides valuable information on getting ready for your new bundle of joy. Also, if you’re interested in understanding IUI success rates, WebMD is an excellent reference.
In summary, this season is all about being mindful and avoiding the pitfalls of past holidays. By steering clear of these common traps, I hope to create a more joyful and stress-free Christmas.