The Christmas Challenge 2011

Well, much to my surprise... There's at least one person that reads through the challenges and had asked Amanda where the one for this year was. It has taken me a little longer to compile a list, especially with the unseasonably warm 65-70 degree weather for Eastern NC this month. Also, with NC State's crushing of Clemson (then #7) and the Tumble of the Terps Thanksgiving weekend, I kind of feel like I'd already seen my Christmas Miracle. (We love you Coach O'Brien)



So, I decided to try and come up with a list that wasn't repetitive from years past, which is difficult to do, because they're such good things, and I guess I like doing the same things at Christmas time. Then I decided that since it is a challenge, I'd shorten the list, and compress the time in which you have to do it. Kind of like at work when doing an evaluated event, just when you start doing something right, the plan changes, or the timeline is compressed to see how you do then.

Lastly, as I scrolled through the pages of the previous challenges, I realized, "Geez, I didn't get to that one that year, or I only did it once." So, in an effort to Practice what you Preach, I've tried doing a few of these already this year. I have a favorite one that I've done at least four times now, so they can be fun.

So here's your challenge. It is shorter so you can still knock it out by Christmas. Do them more than once if you like. But do them. I found that that's the challenge. It's easy for me to sit here at my (well, Billie Jo's computer at the moment) and write these out, but it's another to actually follow through and do it, knowing that the satisfaction will be 99% internal to you. Good Luck, and Merry Christmas! Refer to last December and you can see my top ten of Christmas Songs. Still love em.

7. Just say... yes. Ok, so every store we go to, there's someone ringing a bell, holding a jar, or as was the case yesterday, selling brownies. I have said give to the bell ringer before. Here, I say support your local sherrif. lol. Give when you'd normally otherwise walk by, or say "not today". And if you want a bonus, give them something and ask for nothing in return. Go to the bake sale and say you just wanted to donate, or to anything else the charity is handing out. Surprise them, surprise yourself. as a part b to this, pay for the person behind you at the drive thru. (be wary of the suburban.)

6. Ghost of Christmas Past. Watch a holiday movie. I mentioned one of these the other day,and the response was, "Oh, one of those 'cheesy' holiday classics", with classics in full on air quotes. Sit through it. Watch with family, by yourself. Better yet, ask someone else what they think is a classic. For me, I always skip A Charlie Brown Christmas. My mom loves it and within 3 minutes of it going off on whatever channel it's on she'll call and ask if I watched it. So I made it through on ABC just to notice they edited parts out. Other ones I love that I haven't watched or seen in a while: Miracle on 34th Street-the original; It's a Wonderful Life; Mr. Krueger's Christmas (Gotta get the LDS love in there); Home Alone-great soundtrack; The Polar Express I actually had never seen, read or anything until my Uncle Alex showed it to Carter Finley last year,and I think we've seen it at least every day the last week. So grab some cookies and Hot Chocolate, and fire up the DVD, DVR, or Netflix and watch a classic.

5. Give a Christmas Mouse a Cookie. I have mentioned giving desserts or caroling in the past. Only Terrorists and Communists don't like Christmas Caroling. Combine the two. Don't make it a Ghost Cookie drop. Make a batch of cookies and take them to friends, neighbors, or heck even when you get to that party. Ring the doorbell and grace them with a family tune. I have a feeling that when we get to this one, it might be The Royal Guardsmen's "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron". Carter Finley has sang few songs in his life, Popcorn Popping, I'm a Child of God, NC State Fight Song. But he will, on his own, belt out this tune with Kensi Jo in tow. Simple, short, and hey, may actually get some applause. Sing out.



4. Give Lemons. I know, I know, it has a negative connotation, like a Lemon vehicle, etc. Well, for this one, I refer to my cynical side, and the most downward spiral of a movie-The Break Up. You can only watch about 1/4 of the movie, because then it takes a downward turn, and well, if you haven't seen it I won't ruin it, but it ain't a fairy tale ending lol. But in the opening scenes of the movie, Jen (we're on a first name basis) Aniston's character had asked Vince Vaughn's for 12 lemons to make a centerpiece. Being the guy he is, he drops 3 lemons on the counter on his way to watch the ball game. The clip is here for your viewing pleasure. So, here's the challenge. I always joke with Amanda and say "baby wanted lemons" whenever I try to give her what she wants (though clearly in the clip I'm wrong bc he says "what baby wants baby gets") Anyhow, we think it's funny. In the holiday spirit of Gift Cards-shun them. (If Peepers were reading this, he'd say along with me "Shun the non-believer" Charlie and the Unicorn... anyway I'm sidetracked) So shun the gift card. Shun the "nothings" and "i don't cares" and "i don't knows" or the "anythings" of the season. Give the ridiculous, unnecessary, overdoing it gift of the season. You know why? Because they'll smile. Why, because they'll know that you knew. Why? Well, if it's the thought that counts, you thought. What baby wants, baby gets. If Jen wants 12 lemons, then by gosh, 12 lemons. :) See what it is to give than to receive.

The Break-Up - The Lemon Centerpiece
Get More: The Break-Up - The Lemon Centerpiece

3. Let me buy you a drink. Ok, before my LDS counterparts start in on D&C 89, hear me out. Drinking can be any drink. What I'm getting at is the conversation that comes with. It can be hot chocolate, a soda, or whatever your persuasion. But take that time to visit with someone who you need to catch up with, chat with etc. In the original thought with this, it was to be with your parent. This is good for the dudes, because we just don't whip it on and start chatting it up, especially with our dads. So get out there, and ask someone to lend you their ear. Catch up, and catch on. Our parents are wise when we're young and can read minds and know who stole the last cookie from the cookie jar... when we get older, they don't let on as much, they cherish the time with us, and want to know what's going on from time to time. And I know not all of us our lucky to have our parents around... but ain't nothing wrong with heading out to their resting place and visiting with them too.

2. Provide Quarter. Ok, so in the late 1700's this wasn't cool, having to provide quarter for the Redcoats. And as I wind down the challenge, I realize, I don't know that I'll ever have a list that doesn't involve Troops, caroling, or Christ. So here's my pitch for the troops. Instead of dropping donuts off at the gate on Christmas, or just sending a package, get them into your home. Whether it's on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, whatever. Bring em in. I've overlooked this one lately because I just figured single folks liked to go to Aspen or St. Croix for the holidays. Turns out, if leave plans don't permit, you're at home solo hoping Santa knows where to find you. I know you've always got leftovers, so why not have someone over to help eat em, and maybe even share some of the holiday traditions they'd be doing if they were at home with their family. We can't bring all the troops home, or be with them in the sand, but the ones who are CONUS we can invite.

1. A Baby Story. This one I think is always in there. Read The real and true Christmas Story. I have challenged in the past for you to read it at a party, on Christmas Eve, or somewhere, and realize that the last time I heard this on a holiday was long enough ago that I was a kid. And I'm not a kid anymore. If it's at a get together, allow the elder to read it, whether it's the Matriarch or Patriarch of the family. If the Christmas story offendeth thee, I ain't sorry. This is America, and it is CHRIST-mas. If all else fails, read it to yourself. Remind your kids, why we celebrate, and we give gifts as a reminder of that ultimate gift that was given to us.



So there it is, love ya mean it. Good luck, and happy challenging. Rachel, I know you've got a story of your own on your mind this week, so make Jake get to work. Don't let him think because he's got an Oak Leaf cluster he don't have to work :) (Congrats Jake!)