An imaginary conversation in December:
(Person A) ‘Tis the season to be… multitasking!
(Person B) Wait… shouldn’t it be “jolly?”
(A) It’ll be jolly on Christmas day. Right now, there’s too much to do!
(B) I know we’re all busy, but how much more would we enjoy Advent if we didn’t multitask?
(A) Didn’t multitask? I wouldn’t get anything done!
(B) But some studies show that multitasking lowers our IQ by 15 points, meaning when our attention is divided, we don’t do things as well as we could if we just focused on one thing…
(A) Yeah, yeah, there’s a study for everything. Look, I have to write Christmas cards while decorating the tree, or they’ll never get mailed out on time.
(B) So, you have a pen in one hand… and an ornament in the other?
(A) How did you know? Also, the only time to call friends and family is while I’m shopping.
(B) Oh, so you’re that person who upsets everyone in the checkout line because you’re on the phone while paying for gifts.
(A) People can be so impatient! Can’t they see that I’m on the phone? Anyway, I haven’t even started baking goodies, so I’ll have to do that while putting up Christmas lights.
(B) Hope you don’t get stuck on the roof when the oven timer goes off.
(A) I’ve already assured the fire department that I’ll be more careful this year.
(B) I’m sure they appreciate that. Well, I’m slowing down during Advent this year… you know, to really focus on the reason for the season.
(A) Oh, so you’re a bargain shopper too?
(B) No, I’m talking about focusing on Jesus.
(A) Oh, of course. I pencil him in on Christmas Eve.
(B) Pencil him in?
(A) I mean, I’ll think about Jesus when I have time… on Christmas Eve… after wrapping gifts.
(B) You know, if we “prepare Him room” every day during Advent… really appreciate the incredible gift of Christ coming into the world… we’ll experience JOY instead of stress.
(A) Oh my! Thank you for the reminder! I have to call my cousin, Joy, tonight!
(B) …(sigh)… Can you at least wait till you’re done shopping?
Ed Doney, Staff Writer
