Remember, less is more.  I re-read this story from Simplify Your Christmas by Elaine St. James every year.  It is such a lovely reminder that when we let go of the clutter, we make room for so much more: energy, time, appreciation, friendship, opportunities, experiences, joy, love, and the spirit of the holidays.  I have never participated in Black Friday or the day after Christmas shopping sprees and feel sad for the employees who have to work on these days.  Last week as they advertised all the shopping craziness, one reporter asked a woman on the street what people would do if all the stores were closed on Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving.  Her response, "Get a life?" 

Wise men and women in every major culture throughout history have found that the secret to happiness is not in getting more but in wanting less.                            --Elaine St. James

One Christmas Elaine and her husband Gibbs visited the South Pacific on a travel writing assignment.  On their first stop, they were led to their island hut on the beach and when they walked in, they were "besieged by a barrage of hibiscus blooms. There were hundreds of them, and they were everywhere--on the bed, the pillows, the bedside tables, the chairs, the desk, the bath counters, the window ledges, and even in the bathtub.  Throughout their stay, they found it necessary to constantly move them out of the way every time they wanted to do something.  At the next stop, when they entered their resort hut, "there were only two hibiscus blooms in the entire space: a single red flower on each pillow.  We stood for a quiet moment, taking in the beauty of this simple display. Those blooms were exquisite, and their singularity made it much easier to appreciate their beauty. This experience is relevant to the way we decorate for Christmas. It's as though we believe that the only way to show the importance of the holiday is to create an assault on the senses."

Simplify your decorations.  I used to buy, merchandise, and manage the gift shop at Craig Hospital.  For many years I purchased amazing decorations for all the holidays and brought it all home.  Over the past 20 years, my journey has included letting go of nearly all the items I used to store and unpack and display.  Now the main attractions are the Christmas tree, the mantel and stockings, a favorite Christmas ducks tablecloth, and several bowls filled with colorful bulbs.  I enjoy the Christmas dishes I use every day (a gift from my mother-in-law many years ago) and my "Cup of Christmas Tea" pot, cups and saucers,using them for a tea party with my grandchildren and on Christmas Eve.  Gone are all the angels and the Santas and thousands of outdoor lights, replaced by tiny white lighted wreaths and swags on two windows and over the garage.  It feels lovely to us, seasonal, and just right--the feng shui way--not too much, not too little, balanced and just right.

Invite Mrs. Chi.  As you create an environment that supports your intentions for the holidays this year, remember to make room for Mrs. Chi.  She likes to meander--or flow--from one room to another.  Too much stuff and she gets stuck or avoids the space altogether.  Attract her through her senses--what she can see, smell and hear.  Once she's in the door, you will want her to stay forever because everything feels so good when she's there.  So how can you attract Mrs. Chi?

• Start by sweeping the front porch, steps or entrance to your home or apartment and clear away or repair anything that would make it difficult for her to get to your front door: overgrown bushes or tree limbs, a crack in the steps, a broken screen door, a worn mat or rug
• Then decorate the door so she will be attracted to YOUR entrance.  Adding lights to the front of your home, around the door, or yard art will also attract Mrs. Chi
• Burn candles or add fragrances that attract her sense of smell: pumpkin, cranberry, spice, , or pine...and
• Add bells to your front door so she can hear them and head in your direction each time you open and close it

Help Mrs. Chi get to ALL the rooms in your house , from the front door with lights and color, through the kitchen where she can smell fragrances or hear music, along hallways to the bathroom and bedrooms where an interesting decoration piques her curiosity and keeps her meandering to the next one.

This week invite Mrs. Chi with simple, meaningful and traditional decorations.  And practice letting go of items in those boxes of holiday décor that no longer lift your energy or feel superfluous.  Remember to create a home that allows you to enjoy the singular beauty of the season.