Once again, mid-afternoon on Christmas day, I begin to see with things in a different light. The decorations that looked so pretty just a few days ago begin to look like clutter. There are toys, gift wrap, leftovers, and messes everywhere I turn.   I begin to scurry around, picking up things, sorting through things, and writing a few immediate tasks down on my To Do List. I am also creating lists for my entire family since my husband and children are all off this week.  Here are a few of those tasks.

Christmas afternoon at my house

• Put away Christmas decorations.
• Organize gift wrap station.
• Remove all items from kitchen counters and really clean (both counters and appliances).
• Sort through desk/table upstairs in my room (you know, the one where are all stray papers migrate to when you don’t know where else to put them).
• Go through children’s toys and books (again) and get rid of broken and unloved toys. Organize homes for new toys and items.
• Empty out my “junk” drawer and replace necessary items neatly.
• Organize storage room in the basement. Separate items for a yard sale in the spring. Make a run to Goodwill.
• File all important documents that have been laying on the filing cabinet awaiting filing.
• Begin to prepare documents for business and personal taxes.
• Create a list of Resolutions for 2012 and a plan to accomplish them.

What is on your list this week before 2012?