Simplify Your Life for the Holidays

 The holidays are fast approaching!  Are you ready for all the gifts, parties, guests and celebrations?  Start now, and with a little planning and organization, you can make 2008 the best holiday season yet!

 

    • Plan to have everything done a couple days early.  This way you can relax with your family and friends instead of running around on the holiday itself.

 

 
    • Declutter.  Now is a good time for the kids to donate some of their old toys, games, and clothes.  Add the holiday decorations you didn’t use last year.  Toss anything that’s broken or worn.  Remember, even at the holidays, that “less is more.”

 

 
    • Right-size your commitments.  Ask family members:  If you could only go to three holiday events, what would they be?  Decide which celebrations are the most meaningful and fun, and which ones you could do without.  Only go to those events.  Give yourself downtime to simply enjoy the holidays, and save money and stress.

 

 
    • Get online instead of in line.  Purchase stamps at usps.com.  You can also print labels and even have mail picked up from your home.  Shop online to avoid crowds, hassles and stress.  Order as much as possible from one site to save on shipping costs.

 

 
    • Simplify gift-giving.  Consider giving cookies or other edible treats, tickets to an upcoming event, or gift certificates for a massage, balloon ride, or other special activity. 

 

 
    • Break big jobs into mini-projects.  Start early and mix a batch of cookie dough each night and freeze to thaw as needed for parties and gifts.  Set up a gift wrap center with all your supplies in a box or bin and wrap a little each day.  Finish one step of the card-sending process at a time.  Sign cards, address envelopes, seal, and stamp during television commercial breaks or during any downtime.  Consider using an online service such as yourcardconnection.com.

 

 
    • Keep it simple.  Purchase bakery cookies instead of baking.  Have a buffet style holiday dinner.  Make your party a pot-luck dinner or tree-decorating party.

 

 
    • Plan ahead.  If you have guests coming, prepare the guest room and bathroom now.  Plan meals and have your shopping done before guests arrive, or prepare meals in advance and freeze.     

 

 

 

Remember, holidays are about LOVE and FAMILY.  Take time to enjoy and appreciate each other as the best gift of all!

Lori Thompson is a Professional Organizer offering all or space by space organizing of home, office, garage, and storage.  She also speaks on this and other organizing topics.  You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (512) 863-6558.