making a list and checking it twice

Can Martha have a Mary Christmas?

I haven't read this book, but the title just zings to me.
It's a Martha (Stewart) world and there's pressure
on women, especially, to achieve perfect Christmas performances.
I confess that holiday stage fright has paralyzed me.

Ask someone today's date? If they're kids or Christmas addicts, they're likely to tell you how many days are left until the 25th.

Our neighbor rang the door bell yesterday and with pen and list in hand, tried to organize an impromptu cul-de-sac party. There is not the single inkling that we are Christmas people--no lights are up, no tree is decorated nor stockings hung. I suspect she was at the door to convert us or sell us a fix.

Seeing her lined yellow pad, though, inspired me.
I went to sleep last night, thinking I really must face these last days of
December. As Garrison Keillor put it, A lovely thing about Christmas is that its compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.

This morning, my list began:
1) make it a short one to include dusting for health reasons and getting the garden hose wrapped up before it freezes again; then cross off everything that is meant to impress others. ( caution: do not eliminate the lighted tree, bare minimum tradition.)
2) delegate the gift list to my husband; he's experienced in meeting deadlines with an expense account.
3) save the cards for New Year's
4) play more music
5) bake a birthday cake for Jesus and take it to the cul-de-sac party

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7