Tis the Season for...Listing!

🎵 I'm making a list, checking it twice...Beyond the most important list of all, include all the other lists we are all making this season. Yep, we've got lists everywhere, of every type. We're surrounded by them. We hear and read about them all day long these days. So many that we end up making a list of lists, with a Post It note as a reminder to look at the list! So many, I don't have room here to list them.

Return of the Perennials: The annuals, such as the most notable events -- beyond COVID and the election, can you think of any if I give you only three seconds? These two events really have eclipsed our attention spans -- of course there are many other things that have happened, good and bad, that you will read about in the next few weeks, in case you can't think of any at the moment. One of the last lists we will (literally) hear about are the top songs of the year (as well as the worst), if we care to stay up and watch one of the countdown to new year shows. Or, you could simply Google. Probably the most notable one we already heard about is the Time magazine "Person of the Year" as well as a peek at the runner-ups...as you already know who they made person (actually "people" as a duo), I want to join the list of those decrying this as a travesty: they made two people who did nothing other than spend a lot of others' money to make a lot of promises, which they haven't taken the first steps to bring about. If you read closer this choice was as much a snub, with a strong hint of schadenfreude (German for taking pleasure in another's misfortune) regarding the loser in the election. In so doing, Time missed a TIMELY opportunity to recognize not two but a legion of health care workers and other, everyday unsung heroes who have put their lives on the line for all of us. You, all you on the nominating committee, should be ashamed; I demand a RECOUNT!

Global, Personal:  Of course, we hear this time of year as well about the people with whom we are all 'acquainted', who have left our midst, such as Chuck Yeager (see December 10th post) last week. Then there are those that are more personally known, including some of those on the ever increasing list of lives lost to COVID-19 (just about all of us knows someone on that list). Conversely, on a personal level, we are keenly aware of brand new people, babies born in this challenging time, perhaps one or two of which will eventually become Time's Person; they already are to Us.

Wanted, Unwanted Lists: Of course there are lists we want and don't want to end up on, similar to attempts to either move up in line and then step out of line when it comes to your turn, in a moment of hesitation (many will experience this on the way to getting vaccinated in the near future). You never wanted to be chosen last for a sport team whereas we make ourselves invisible when 'they'  come looking for volunteers. And, of course, who hasn't been on the receiving end of "Watch it buddy, you're about to get on my ---- list!". 

Shorten the List: Whether we are trying to whittle down the wedding list, the Christmas card list, or told by our parents to pick the three things we want for Christmas, this becomes an exercise in prioritizing like no other. This particular year, we are also being told to minimize the list of people we actually see face to face through the holidays, way more difficult. The president elect, when presented with a list of qualified candidates for both VP and his eventual cabinet, had to utilize a number of methods to narrow it down -- I enjoy trying to interpret each election, which methods are tacitly represented (ranging from pure qualifications/professional resume to quid pro quo/political paybacks, to...).

Stick to the List! A common refrain in my household whenever I am the one to go to the grocery store (especially when hungry) or doing Christmas shopping with Amazon in front of me and my credit card next to me.

DO NOT CALL! "Yes, I mean it...for the tenth time, please take me off your #@*% list!

Debts, Debtors: Our general tendency (mine included) is to first think about who owes you, your list of 'accounts receivables', but I'll bet if you just pause and think for a moment, you'll realize all those you are indebted to, including all those who have in the past and are currently sacrificing for you and for me...AND what about the future generations to whom we are passing on the national debt, to whom we are 'kicking the can' (which is now bigger than any can I would want to kick) -- I wonder what kind of card would suffice: a thank you card does not seem sufficient, nor does a promissory note, or even a sympathy/apology card...help me out Hallmark!

Why? Like you, I have a why? list, an ever increasing list of misfortunes and tragedies that have befallen so many, that defy our understanding, that my reasoning refuses to accept as being part of the Grand Plan; perhaps someday I'll be illuminated. On the other hand, there are also those miracles of life, sometimes occurring in subtle forms we can easily miss if out attention is preoccupied, some of which will likely occur before year's end.

Coming Soon: One of the first lists of the New Year is another perennial favorite...NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS! Which are likely to end up on the 'Shorten the List' list. 

🎵...naughty or nice...watch out, he's packing his sleigh, soon to be on his way...