Rounding out the Thanksgiving weekend is like rounding the final turn of the year for me. I think through what I had hoped to get done in 2008, and I narrow that wish list to what I really care about. No sense deluding myself with good intentions. I want to head into the new year unencumbered. So I’m either going to get it done or leave it off the 2008 list.

Last Jan 1, I found myself copying the leftovers from my 2007 to-do list to the new calendar. This year I’m being more realistic. I’m intentionally scheduling some things into 2009 and saying no to others. What’s left will get check marked as DONE — before 2008 kicks the bucket.

With that in mind, it’s unlikely that I’m going to clean out my tack trunk (been on my mental to-do list for a while). I keep telling myself as I dig around in it that I should tidy it up, but realistically speaking, until I either can’t find something or find myself waiting for the farrier, it’s going to stay as is. But I did clean out my closet this past weekend, mostly because I had some old sweaters that I wanted to donate to the second-hand store, and this is certainly sweater weather. Did the same with the linen closet and brought a bunch of blankets to the shelter.

Christmas shopping is one of those thing that teeters on the edge, though. It will get done, but in my own way. I didn’t inherit the shopping gene, so I don’t traipse off to the mall any more often than I do the dentist. But I do give gifts. Fortunately, my family and friends don’t expect anything elaborate. They know that I put thought and care into what I send them, but I don’t buy a shirt for one, steering wheel cover for another, and so forth. Of course, if I had a young family or had to buy multiple gifts for one person, my system wouldn’t work. But it works for me in my situation. I think in categories.

One year, it was books (“What a surprise! Maureen has sent us a book!”). Last year, it was flashlights. I love flashlights and carry one all the time. So I chose a small LED light, a Maglite light, a little flashlight lantern, and so forth. Everyone got a flashlight, chosen just for them.

This year, it will be pens. I’m always finding a new favorite. Not a $230 Mont Blanc, but you’d be amazed how nice a $5.99 Papermate is. So I’m having fun buying just the right pen for everyone on my list. For horse people, you can’t beat a Fisher Space Pen (about $10 to $25). It doesn’t leak, and it writes in any temperature, even when you’re holding it upside down!

Finances are different this year, so I’m downsizing some of my activities. But I’m not trimming my Christmas card list. In fact, I’m sending more cards than usual and writing a personal note in each card, so my friends and family will know they are really loved and remembered, not just on the mailing list. Less stuff, more meaning — Hey, who knows. That may become my theme for 2009!

P.S. On my bucket list for 2008 is to send an email update to those folks who have asked what’s happening with Inspired by Horses. If you’d like to get that email, please let me know at http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/contact.html.