Important versus Imperative

Decorating the tree in progress! (12/9/10)













It takes me by surprise this morning as I log into my blogspot account and realize I have not entered a post since the day after Thanksgiving. Seems like ages ago.

One of my favorite movies is the 1970 classic, Airport, starring Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, George Kennedy, and several other famous movie personalities. A scene that sticks in my mind is when Mel Bakersfeld's wife Cindy comes to the airport and confronts him about their marriage and the time he spends at his job as airport manager. She accuses him of placing more importance on the situation at the airport than on the commitment he had made to attend a social event with her that evening. He responds with the answer "not more important, more imperative".

This Christmas season, I find myself evaluating what is imperative versus what is important.

My imperative list

Reflect with a joyful heart on the true meaning of the season each day - if I don't do this, the rest of it makes no sense!

Get Christmas issue of Starsongs to layout and design editor - This took a lot of time, but absolutely had to be done. Although the magazine has other than Christmas stories and poems, who wants to read them after Christmas?

Get packages mailed to family out of state (and country) - always anticipate the mail is slow this time of year!

Get Christmas shopping done - wish I was one of those people who starts Christmas shopping in July, but I'm just not.

Get gifts wrapped - unwrapped gifts under the tree are not very exciting to a 9 year old on Christmas morning!

Keep the bills paid - Yes, money is tight this time of year, but I really don't want to be getting ready for Christmas in the dark!

My Important List

Attend Christmas activities - I try to participate in as many as I can, but if I miss out on one or two, I know there will be opportunities at other times of the year for socialization.

Christmas letter and Christmas cards - I spent the most time on this one this year, even though it was not on my "imperative" list. It is the one time of year when I can get the same information out to family and friends, but if I don't, I figure those closest to me already know about the most important things in my life anyway.

Christmas baking - Who doesn't love to see their table adorned with those brightly decorated star, bell, and Christmas tree sugar cookies? Still, I don't need the calories!

Housecleaning - Falls way low on the list at this time of year, but I do try to keep the dust off the Christmas decorations. No matter how much vacuuming gets done, pieces of tinsel manage to magically appear everywhere but on the tree.



Hubby doesn't know it yet, but that old, old TV will be replaced with a new one on Christmas morning! (SHHHHH!)


Blogging - Obviously didn't make it to the imperative list, but still very important. Even though you haven't heard from me in a while, please know I wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas Season and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

What's imperative and important to you this season? I'd love to hear your comments!

Thanks for reading my blog!