The song says "it's the most wonderful time of the year," but I might take exception to that. This time of year includes waaaaay too many lists for me. I mean, even Santa Claus is making a list. And checking it twice.
Now, don't get me wrong. I use lists myself. I rarely check everything on them off, but I use them. My unchecked lists are actually kind of depressing. But that's not my point.
The end of the year is when everybody comes up with their 10 (or any other number they choose) best whatevers of the year - from movies to albums to books to websites to teams. Why? Does anyone really pay attention to these lists? Are they put together because someone's boss said they needed to be done? They don't usually have anything to do with nominees for Grammys or Oscars or Emmys or any other industry prize.
And we make lists of what we want for Christmas. They may
include practical things like clothes and books, but they may also
include less practical things like big-screen TVs and Super Bowl
tickets (both of which would be awesome, but I don't know where I'd put a big screen, and I don't know if I could take enough time off work to go to the Super Bowl).
We also make lists of resolutions for the upcoming year. I've made my share of resolutions over the years and have every intention of keeping them every year. The lists look pretty similar from year to year - drink less pop, get more exercise, send birthday cards before birthdays instead of after them - you know, the traditional goals. And within a week, I think, I've managed to not keep all of them. Yes, including the birthday cards.
With only a couple weeks left in 2014, my list of things to accomplish before the end of the year still has many items to cross off. Some will be carried over into 2015, but one that won't be is having a great time with my family over the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who's coming to Nebraska. And I'll check that off my list with a flourish.
