Yes, I know those lyrics belong to Santa Claus, and maybe I’m leaning into the holiday spirit a little early. Was my Christmas tree up at the end of October? Absolutely. We’re close enough to November. Are all my lights already hung with care? Without a doubt. Christmas isn’t just a December thing in my house. And frankly, who needs Halloween and Thanksgiving when you’ve got cinnamon-scented everything and a playlist full of Mariah Carey?
Christmas is my favorite time of year. Not just for the decorations or the peppermint chocolate, but because my love language is gifting. It brings me joy to think deeply about what each person in my life would appreciate. Every year, I make a list for my team. What would bring them joy? How do they receive recognition? What’s their love language?
But all this gift-listing reminds me of something deeper. There’s a reason Santa keeps a list. It isn’t just for presents. It’s about being intentional, staying organized, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks, whether you’re in December or July.
In leadership, lists are non-negotiable. Whether it’s projects I need to push forward or tasks I’ve delegated to others, everything gets tracked. Every Friday, I sit down and consolidate the week. I look at what’s been completed, what’s still pending, and what needs to roll into the next week. I try to do this daily, but let’s be honest, that doesn’t always happen. Life moves fast. But Friday is my non-negotiable check-in with myself and my team.
A list, on its own, isn’t enough. You can assign all the tasks in the world, but if there’s no follow-up and no feedback loop, you’re just handing out to-do items into the void. That’s like Santa dropping a gift under the tree without checking whether the kid’s been naughty or nice all year. Accountability matters. Progress matters. And it’s our job as leaders to keep track of what’s moving and what’s stuck.
I talk about this a lot with my team. We can’t just delegate and disappear. Remember our “Drive By Delegation” from last week? When we assign something, we need to follow through. Did it get done? Was it done the right way? Do they need more support or context? Checking things off the list isn’t just about completion. It’s about communication, clarity, and course correction when needed.
To be clear, I’m a bit of an organization nerd. I live by my calendar and my lists. I don’t know how I’d keep my sanity without them. Structure gives me the freedom to take on a lot without feeling overwhelmed. But I’ve also seen how structure, when shared, helps teams move faster and with more confidence. When people know what’s expected and when, they stop guessing, they stop spinning, and they get to focus on the work.
So, here’s the leadership lesson buried inside the tinsel and glitter: make your list. Not just for gifts, but for goals, for projects, and for people. Build a system around how you track and delegate. Don’t assume things will just get done. Follow up. Create space for questions. Build in moments for review. You’ll find that the more intentional you are with your list, the fewer things fall through the cracks.
And while we’re on the subject of gifting, a few tips for those preparing their own holiday lists:
- Never forget your spouse. Especially you, gentlemen. We like sparkly things, and that does not mean pajamas.
- Never, under any circumstances, gift someone a candle. I don’t care how good it smells.
- Don’t rely on the gift guides in the flyers. They’re designed to sell, not to inspire.
- And if you’re wondering what to get your ten-year-old niece when you’re a mom of three boys, you’re not alone. I’m still figuring that one out myself. 😊
So yes, make your list, and check it twice. But not just for the holidays. Make it a habit. Whether you’re leading a team, running a household, or juggling both, structure is your silent superpower.
And no, you don’t need to wait for snowflakes to start using it.
