Spontaneity needs a PLAN!

I went with my family to Nauvoo for Thanksgiving. I was impressed with the level of planning the simplest tasks required for the people of 1840 Nauvoo. I am reminded that to have fun, joy, whatever - one needs to be very organized.
I know that the strains and expectations of the Christmas season often are at odds with the desire to relax, enjoy, and experience the holidays with people we love (or are trying to love:).
Here are some PLANS that can be considered so that we can have some spontaneous moments!
1. Get tithing settlement handled now! This is a way to account to the Lord and clear the board on a temporal level. Whether we have paid a full tithe or not - go meet with the Bishop and give an accounting. It will make us feel better for sure and it is a requirement of our membership in the church.
2. Get Visiting Teaching handled now! Bring the women you visit teach or call and remind them of our "MAKE IT A GREAT CHRISTMAS" Relief Society Party at the home of Annie Reid - 7PM - Tuesday, December 6th. Everyone who comes and has handled their visiting teaching in this manner can count the visit for the month of December!
3. Find one new recipe and go buy the ingredients NOW - to make for the holidays. (Mine will be "Corn Pudding" - as my family loves anything with corn!) Diversity is the birth of "spontaneity"!
4. Find one HOLIDAY activity around Dallas that you and your family can enjoy. The Arboretum is wonderful this time of year and it is always fun to watch Santa Claus skate on ice around the "ginormous" Christmas Tree at the Galleria (Saturdays at 5PM). Invite someone to go with you and your family.
5. Go find a fun "ELF" gift at the dollar or 99cent stores. The "Secret Santa" idea has no age limit and it always makes us feel "seen" by the Lord when we are remembered by others.
I have found that no matter who you are or what your details might be - any kind of JOY requires a little planning.