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Simplify your Holidays
Most of us would say we are too busy before the holidays begin. And every year it seems to come earlier and earlier. The Halloween decorations are still in the stores and Thanksgiving shows up. Then Thanksgiving is barely underway and we see decorations for the next one! It's enough to send the already busy person into Holiday overload!
This special edition of the Life Spaces newsletter has tips and resources for helping make this holiday season a bit simpler, less crazy busy and more enjoyable.
Wishing you an enjoyable and relaxing season ... To your organized life,  |
| My 5 Best Holiday Tips
for a Simpler Season |
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1. Decide what's important. Expectations are key.
Identify which holiday traditions you'd most like to participate in and make those the focus of your season. What was your favorite memory or tradition? Try doing these, or doing one of them.
Maybe the religious celebrations are most important to you. Or you like to spend your time visiting with family and friends, baking cookies with the kids, or making homemade gifts instead of buying things.
Whatever the season means to you and your family, spend your time wisely. Make choices this year. You'll have particular memories, and won't suffer from "holiday blur 2009." Which brings us to Tip #2 ...
2. Learn to say "no, thanks" to invitations.
It's OK to say no sometimes.
Repeat that (to yourself or out loud if that works better for you!) It's OK to say No.
An easy way to say "no," is to tell your friend what you CAN do instead of what you can't.
Example: You have too many things going on for a particular Saturday when you've been invited to your friends for a party. A new way to answer: "What I'd love to do is spend some good time with you. How about getting together, just us, after the holidays. It's going to be such a rush that Saturday for me; I'd just be rushing in and out anyway."
Overbook and you'll spend the season running from one thing to another and never get to relax and enjoy. And -- the holiday season will be a blur, with fewer memories.
Suggest dates to visit after the holidays, when things slow down a bit.
3. Use lists or a planning system to keep up.
Holidays typically mean we add more to an already
full calendar. Use a simple, festive spiral notebook, an inspiring journal, a 3 ring binder or your computer. Keep your holiday schedule, gift list, menus/recipes, address list, party to-do list, invitations and even notes on where you hid the gifts you've already bought!
Review the lists once each day (first thing in the morning or end of day while you're wrapping up) so you keep on top of it all.
4. Ask for help.
Trade babysitting with another household so you can get out and shop during a weekday.
Ask kids/grandkids if they want to help wrap gifts (even if you pay them -- my dad gave me 25 cents, many years ago, to wrap gifts from him to my mother.).
Hold progressive dinners or potlucks instead of doing it all yourself.
Or hire out -- just for the season -- personal chef, errand services, etc.
Let family know you'd like clutter-free gifts this year> Examples: ballroom dance lessons, tickets to the theater, lunch each month with mom, donation to your favorite cause, or even Organizing Services with Sue!.
5. Make a plan for next year after this season's over...
Keep track what you want to do differently next year, and also the things that worked so well you'd like to be sure to remember to include them again!
Maybe you forgot someone on your gift list and had to run out last minute. Keep a running list of those you buy gifts for and keep it handy year-round. Inspiration for the perfect gift can strike at any time and you'll be able to write it down and even cross it off the buying list if you pick it up early! Vacations are a great time to find something unique (and early!)
Or maybe you managed to get a couple batches of cookies done early and stored in the freezer so it made your life so easier. Make a note of it so you remember to plan for it again next year. Block out times on your calendar so you know when it's FULL UP.
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| Upcoming Classes & Events |
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January/February
In various locations. Please click here for dates, times, costs.
Downsizing Dilemmas - Solved! - overview plus a 5 week class;
Thinking of putting your house on the market? - two workshops;
Two planned for the Association of Design Education;
And at the Business & Professional Women of Nashua meeting to present
"Outsmart
Yourself: The Psychology of Organizing Your Office, Your Time, and Your 'Stuff.'" |
| How Can Space4U Help Me? |
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Downsizing Workbook Now Available
Whether you are staying or moving; do it on your own with our workbook. Advice, forms, expertise: http://organizenh.com/store.htm
Need a Jumpstart?
We offer a flat rate, 2 hour, "Jumpstart" consultation.
Ideas, expertise and a plan to get you started on your own. The do-it-yourself option!
Coaching Services
This option might be for you if...
- You want to organize on your own, but aren't sure where to start;
- You need check-in dates, so you keep at it;
- You are too far from southern NH to have an in-home consultation, but want to collaborate on organizing;
- You want to establish new habits. They can be hard to instill on your own!
Coaching time can complement side-by-side organizing assistance, or has proven to be valuable on its own. Hourly basis, by telephone 3-4 sessions monthly or as needed.
Please contact me if you are thinking about this as an option, have questions, or think this might work for you. (603)765-9267 or Sue@OrganizeNH.com |
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