How to Make a Holiday To Do List

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

07 Dec 2006 11:30 AM

I know I've mentioned this numerous times, but I like to do lists and for Moms, to do lists are a must. But there is a way to make a to do list that is both practical and efficient. For new moms, this can be pretty hard and for moms with new babies, this can be even harder. So here's a few tips on how to make a to do list that works for you and your family.

Obligations versus Optional

When you get sick or exhausted, you can actually look at your to do list with a more discerning eye. You have the ability to identify the items on it that you are not really obliged to take care of, but that you do anyway. For example, making sure all of your spouse's items get dropped off or picked up at the dry cleaners.

Yes, it's great to do this for your spouse, but it's optional because your spouse is just as capable to take it in and drop it off or picking it up or both. Need a couple of items from the grocery store, that doesn't mean you need to pack the baby up to head out for a shopping trip. If the items are not vitally necessary for survival or for the baby right in the moment, chances are you don't need to drop everything to rush to the store.

Learn to Whittle Down Your List

You need mom time and you need the time to enjoy being a mom, so learn to whittle away your to do list. This can mean turning down lunch invitations, grocery store trips or other errands that can be put off until another day. When my daughter was very young, I tried to keep a lot of my running around errands for days when my spouse was home to look after the little one or when he could do it.

When your baby is young, it can be easier on everyone to not have to carry them from store to store. Not only will you be able to accomplish errands like this in a more timely fashion, but also you are not exposing them to every virus running rampant out there. It's also good to have some time to yourself and good for your spouse to have time with your little one.

Sometimes, you just need to let your needs trump your optional obligations and yes, it takes practice, but start today - it will make your life a lot easier and more pleasant and once you get the hang of it - it gets a lot easier all the way around.

How do you whittle down your to do list?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 07 Dec 2006 02:03 PM

Viewin my to do lists as Optional vs. Obligatory when the twins were born is what saved my sanity.

Eliza Ferree (725) 08 Dec 2006 06:44 AM

I keep my to do items on a calendar, without it I'd be so lost. I tend to get booked in december and forget about the whole, "Mom time." But when it comes down to deciding which thing to go to it is based on which is most important.