Let's Talk About...Holiday Planning

Ok. We are in the middle of that hectic time between Thanksgiving and New Year's where the vast number of tasks staring at you can be overwhelming. Tasks in addition to your normal life's tasks. It doesn't help anxiety levels when everywhere you go, someone asks, "So, are you ready for Christmas?"

Do I look ready for Christmas? My hair is standing on end, and I have twenty notes with Christmas present ideas falling out of my purse.

Let's streamline the process a bit.

What makes the holiday season, no matter what you celebrate, memorable?

Let's break that down to its parts. I always find that comforting.

1. Big picture

First, are we expecting guests? Are we traveling? Don't even get me started on holiday travel. The answer determines the extent you have to plan and how long your to-do list will be.

2. Decorations

First, you drag up the Christmas tree, and decorate it, along with the rest of the house, with all the garlands, tinsel, twinkle lights, elves-on-shelves and nutcrackers you can muster. After the stockings are hung so carefully on the mantle, it's time to focus.

3. Parties

Are you having a party? If so, you will probably want to amp up everything on the list. Are you going to a party? Is there a white elephant gift involved? This is when you drag out that old Santa candle someone gave you last year at a white elephant exchange. Maybe a hostess gift? (See, aforementioned Santa candle).

What do you wear? Do I have to go shopping for a new "ugly holiday sweater?" Trust me, just put on black pants and a not-ugly sweater. You will be fine.

4. Holiday Music

This sets the tone for the whole month. There are songs that always make me smile and others that set my teeth on edge.

No offense to anyone, but if I hear anything by Celine Dion or Mariah Carey, I hit "skip" on principle. Same goes for Britney Spears.

On the other hand, nothing really beats Dean Martin's "Baby, It's Cold Outside." You can hear his roguish charm through the speakers. By the way, the woman who sings it with him never gets any credit. That has always bothered me.

I highly recommend Bing Crosby and David Bowie singing "Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy." They are so good together. Similarly, any "Ave Maria" or "Hallelujah" makes my list.

But my top feel-good Christmas song is Bruce Springsteen's "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Clarence Clemons' "Ho-ho-ho" and Bruce cracking up always puts a smile on my face. He makes a bad song fun. And his "Merry Christmas Baby" has got a great vibe.

There are so many.

But one artist we can skip altogether is Yoko Ono. Just saying... She almost completely ruined John Lennon's "Happy Xmas (War is Over)" with her shrieking. (I have to say I don't love that song even without her and I love John Lennon). Oh, and "Xmas" also bugs me on principle.

5. Movies

What is Christmas without those tried-and-true Christmas movies? After everyone has had their fill of Christmas turkey and cookies, and are all talked out, we like to sit back and watch a good Christmas movie. In my house, this is true except for me. I am always cleaning up and thinking about the next thing.

Let's stop and smell these roses:

There are the traditional movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street." You can't go wrong there.

"Home Alone" and "The Santa Clause" are crowd pleasers. I personally will stop the frenzy to sit and watch "The Holiday." Despite Jude Law's personal issues, I love him in this movie. Same with Kate Winslet and goofy Cameron Diaz and equally goofy and charming Jack Black.

"You've Got Mail" deserves a big nod. Nothing wrong with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in pretty much anything.

But the top of my list has to come down to "Die Hard" and "Love Actually."

As John McClane says, "Welcome to the party, pal."

And, well, "Love Actually" has everything going for it. You laugh, you cry, you relate, and the cast can't be beat. When Andrew Lincoln stands on Kiera Knightley's doorstep with the cue cards, I completely tear up. As he says, "To me you are perfect." I feel that way about this movie.

Skip "Elf." (Ok. I know you love "Elf").

6. Food

My advice is to make a bunch of Christmas cookies, scatter Andes Mints around the house and call it a day.

If you must, you can always add Fritos and onion dip, pigs in a blanket, hot toddies, and a ham.

7. Gifts

Thank goodness for Amazon. And all the gift stores in Niwot, of course. But then there are the hours of wrapping ahead. Who knew that Q-tip box would fit a pair of socks so perfectly?

8. New Year's

Too tired. Well, unless I am invited to a party. I can always find the energy for a New Year's party as long as it is a "New York New Year's" party.

Wishing everyone a happy, tasty, musical, memorable holiday season.