Filed under: Holidays/Special Events
The holiday season can be so stressful! It’s meant to be a joyful time full of celebrations, giving, and family traditions, but too often, we spend so much time getting ready for these things that we’re too tired and stressed out to really enjoy the moment.
Holidays are about much more than finding the perfect gift or preparing the most fabulous meal ever. If you focus on the meaning of the holiday you’re celebrating, you’ll begin to see that so much of the “stressful” part of the holidays becomes much less important and begins to melt away. The easiest way to do this is to simplify your holiday lists and traditions. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Create a holiday to-do list, but be discerning. Ask yourself, “If I don’t get this done, will anyone else care?” If not, eliminate it, or put it on a separate list labeled, “Things to do if I have the time and energy.”
2. Consider your gift giving habits. Are you buying meaningless gifts for everyone in the family just to say you gave them something? Make sure every gift on your list will serve a purpose for the recipient. If it’s too hard (or expensive) to buy for every adult, propose to draw names or give one gift to every family instead of every individual.
Clutter Free Gift Giving Resource Guide
3. Give “clutter-free” gifts, such as baked items, wine, tickets to a concert or movie theater, gift cards, or homemade coupons for personal services (massage, babysitting, house cleaning, yard work, car wash, snow shoveling, etc.).
4. Review your holiday rituals and traditions. Your family may have outgrown some, and they may not be as fun as they used to be. It’s ok to let go of these. Create new traditions and celebrate the ones that help you honor your family’s values and spiritual beliefs to the fullest.
5. Never go shopping without a list. The stores are just too crowded and cluttered with stuff if you don’t have a focused plan to get in and get out. Instead of browsing for ideas in stores, try looking online first where you can read customer reviews and compare prices. Before you hit the grocery store, take inventory of what you have and review your recipes to make sure you get what you need.
Gift Wrap Organizer
6. Wrap gifts as you purchase instead of waiting to wrap everything at once. Designate one area of your home as your gift wrap station and stock it with everything you need–wrapping paper, gift bags, bows, ribbon, tissue paper, gift tags, scissors, tape, and pens.
7. Abide by the “less is more” principle when decorating. Focus on your front door, one or two main rooms that everyone will see, and the Christmas tree. Aim for simple elegance over elaborate design. Let the kids put their creativity to work.
8. Buy desserts or use convenient mixes or frozen doughs if you don’t have a lot of time or don’t like to bake. You can find many specialty items in supermarkets or bakeries this time of year that are both beautiful and delicious.
9. Don’t over schedule. Accept the fact that you can’t participate in every activity. There are simply too many parties, events, concerts, programs, activities, and Santa-visiting opportunities to fit it all in. Make the choices that work best in your family’s schedule.
10. Serve others. Volunteer for a local charity, serve meals to the homeless, give gifts to kids in need, or ring a bell for the Salvation Army. There’s no better way to discover the true meaning and joy of the holidays than helping out those who need their spirits lifted and their hope renewed.
December 1, 2011
Ah, the holidays. Time off to spend with family and friends, food and drink, comforting surroundings, warmth, joy and goodwill, right? So why are so many of us stressed, depressed and exhausted? It’s really hard to not get caught up in the trappings of the holidays and, before you know it, you’re feeling like a stressed-out Scrooge. Try sailing through the season with these suggestions.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
- Whatever holiday you celebrate, maintain a realistic notion about what that holiday should be; don’t get so caught up in the planning that you forget to enjoy the season. Remember, less than perfect is perfectly okay.
- Check out organizedchristmas.com. Their mission (and you should choose to accept it) is to help you get organized for a stress-free holiday.
GIFTS/SHOPPING
- If you need some gift-giving inspiration, check out presentpicker.com. This site will suggest items after you’ve plugged in the recipient’s age, gender, personality, occupation, interests and lifestyle.
- Shop early for presents, party supplies, and decorations. Buy multiples of gift tags, tape and wrappings; you can always use the leftovers next year. Keep a stash of “one-size-fits-all” gifts like wine and candy on hand in case you need a last-minute present.
- Avoid crowded malls by shopping in small neighborhood stores, which usually have more one-of-a-kind gifts. If you must tackle the mall go at off times (dinner hour, weekdays) and leave the kids at home. Or shop from mail-order catalogs and the Internet or give gift certificates.
- How about a personalized, one-of-a-kind present for grandma and grandpa? Check out personalcreations.com for calendars, quilts, computer mouse pads, mugs, and ties customized with pix of the grandchildren.
- The right gifts are just as welcome in simple packages. Choose only two wrapping paper designs, one for adults and one for kids. Or just use gift bags or decorative boxes. PS: Check out uwrapit.com.au, where you can download free wrapping paper.
- Take advantage if a store offers free gift-wrapping or seek out charity gift-wrapping services; you’ll be contributing to a worthy cause.
FINANCIAL
- Avoid the shock of a hefty January credit card bill by making a budget and sticking to it! Catalog/online shopping can help; you won’t be seduced at the local mall by a million choices staring you in the face.
- Remember cash? It may be tough to use when you’re making so many purchases; credit and debit cards are more convenient. But if you really want to guarantee you’ll spend within your means, use real money.
- Save your receipts. Gather them up at the end of a shopping day and put them somewhere for safekeeping. Before you wrap gifts, review how much you spent and, if you’re over budget, decide which to return. It’s much easier to make this decision with all the gifts in front of you.
DECORATING/ENTERTAINING
- Skip holiday cards to anyone you haven’t seen or heard from in over a year, or just send New Year’s cards in January. You can spend more time on personal messages and recipients will have more time to read them.
- Send holiday invites at least a month in advance, if only in the form of save-the-date announcements. Reserve rental equipment as early as you can. Book help—babysitters, caterers, musicians—as far in advance as possible.
- Know when to politely say no to invitations. Decide which gatherings you must attend and which can be skipped without guilt. Only say yes to meaningful events.
- Decorate as your time and inclination call for, and let it go at that. One stunning wreath on your front door may be all you need. Or decorate only the room your family uses most often.
COOKING/BAKING
- Words that strike fear in a mother’s heart: “Mom, I told my teacher I’d bring cookies tomorrow”. Have several packs of refrigerated cookie dough on hand.
- Keep a special notebook of holiday recipes you would like to make year after year. This will save a lot of time searching through cookbooks. You can store your holiday notebook with your other recipes (if you might want to use it at other times during the year) or in with your decorations.
PERSONAL
- Choose some special holiday looks from your closet(s) and make sure they’re ready to wear. Find some festive items in each person’s closet ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.
- Treat yourself with respect by setting aside special “you time”. Unwind with a friend, get a manicure, go to a matinee, or spend an afternoon alone. You’ll feel re-energized.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
- Avoid long lines at the post office by using Automated Postal Centers, the Postal Service’s version of an ATM. APCs provide a quick, easy and convenient way for customers to weigh, calculate and apply exact postage, and ship Express Mail and Priority Mail items, packages and First-Class letters right at the kiosks. They also provide easy access to postal products and services the same way ATMs provide access to banking services. PS: The kiosks accept debit and credit cards and don’t charge a service fee.
- Shift the emphasis from consumerism to togetherness by focusing on family activities. Share special moments like a holiday show, fancy brunch or holiday trip instead of spending money on piles of gifts.
- Give to the less fortunate as part of your holiday tradition. Volunteer for a homeless shelter, visit a retirement center or participate in a food, toy or clothing drive. Encourage kids to give away toys they no longer use.
So relax, have fun, enjoy the holiday, and focus on the people you love. That’s the “stuff” that really matters.
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Rosemary Chieppo for contributing this article. Rosemary is the owner of Born to Organize and the author of Clutter, Chaos & the Cure. You can visit her website at www.borntoorganize.com.
December 15, 2010
Yes, it’s getting to be “that time of year”…. And anxiety starts to build.
Why? Aren’t holidays supposed to be a “wonderful time of year” ? Of course they are…and they are also supposed to be about family and friends. Not “material things”.
Maybe with the current state of the economy people might now “get back to basics”. And learn to “enjoy” the holiday season.
That said I know that a number of my friends run around like maniacs and try to cram everything into the last minute right before the holiday. And the “joy” that’s supposed to be there….is only on T.V.
What goes into the Christmas holiday? Buying cards, sending cards, buying presents, wrapping presents, sending presents, decorating your house, decorating the tree, family dinners, holiday traditions….and so much more.
And all that is crammed into the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Why?
Where is it written that you can’t write Christmas cards until two or three weeks before Christmas? Why can’t you write them…..now? You can write out a few each day instead of cramming in a hundred cards in one sitting. The holiday police won’t come and get you!
- Condense the time it takes to get cards ready by putting all of the people that you send cards to every year on computerized labels. It might be a bit time consuming at first but after that you can add, delete or change your list quickly. It will save you hours of writing out cards every year.
- If you want to save even more time….get your cards pre-printed with your name on the inside.
- If you want to save money….skip the (mailed) cards all together and send e-cards! One site that is free is www.123greetings.com They have cards for all occasions.
Take some time to sit down and make a “holiday schedule”. Put all of your parties, dinners, commitments on a calendar.
- Plan your holiday meals and make a grocery list for each meal so that you aren’t scrambling at the last minute and forget something.
- This year, instead of trying to do it all yourself divide the meal among your family / friends and have everyone make / bring something so that all of the work does not fall onto your shoulders. Yes, I know that “you” always do it all….but it’s time to let go and give yourself a break so that you too can enjoy the holidays.
Decorating the house and the tree. Some people go all out and decorate every room and multiple trees. Some people don’t decorate their tree until Christmas Eve. Some people don’t decorate at all. It’s all a matter of preference. But it should be a fun process and not a chore.
We have a tradition of decorating the day after Thanksgiving. It’s an all day process that includes Christmas music to get us in the mood. Singing at the top of our lungs. Champagne and snacks.
We talk about every ornament as it gets put up on the tree and my daughter whines about how embarrassing it is that I kept the ornament she made when she was five. I love that ornament. Almost as much as the one that I made when I was that age that I still have and proudly put on the tree every year.
The holidays are supposed to be about memories and tradition and keeping them is very important. No matter how horrible your year has been….by forcing yourself to follow tradition you too can find peace and a little happiness.
If you make it a fun day where everyone in the family takes part and helps it will not only get done faster but a tradition can be born and the kids will never know they had a “bonding moment”.
Try our Clutter Free Gift Giving Guide for great gift ideas that your loved ones will appreciate!
Holiday gifts….keep it simple and get back to the basics. I really look forward to my sister’s gift every year. She makes the best homemade pasta sauce and I am lucky enough to receive a gift basket of her sauce every year. One year she gave me something else and I was upset. She said she didn’t want to give me the same gift every year. But I really looked forward to it and a “ tradition “ was born. I make up a basket of dried herbs and herbed oils and vinegars that I make from my garden. Simple and made with love.
Everyone has a talent. Whether it’s cooking, baking, sewing, knitting or any number of other things. There is the ever popular “coupon book” idea. Kids can make up coupons for things like lawn mowing, babysitting, tutoring….
If you have a talent such as wallpapering or laying tile and your best friend doesn’t ….exchange your talent with her talent of decorating your house or having her cook you a few meals. You both get something you need and you also get the satisfaction that you helped a friend.
Gifts don’t need to be expensive and the most cherished ones are ones from the heart.
Wrapping gifts…. This is also a time consuming process. I don’t do it. I am the world’s worst gift wrapper. I stumbled across a sale of gift bags at Marc’s (3 for $1.00) and bought a ton of them in various sizes. Every gift is now put into a gift bag with tissue paper and I saved a ton of time wrapping and beating myself up over the fact that I am a terrible wrapper..
- I always keep a supply of gift bags on hand….because you never know when you might need to give a gift throughout the year and wrapping paper is something that people tend to forget.
- A good time to buy your supply is immediately after the holidays when everything is discounted 50 % – 75 %.
- Wrap your gifts as you get them and have a spot set aside for them. But, you will need to keep a list of gifts that you already have so that you don’t forget what you have and who you bought it for. I keep a list for each family. Wrapping as you go is a lot more painless than sitting down and spending hours doing it at the last minute.
Start planning, organizing and putting your holiday plans into motion a little bit at a time so that you are not overwhelmed when they actually roll around.
Now that you have everything under control you can sit back and enjoy the holidays as they approach.
Thanks to Organized A to Z Partner Karin E. Fried for contributing this article. Karen is a CPC and owner of Organizational Consulting Services. You can visit her Web site at www.organizationalconsultingservices.com.
December 8, 2010
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Holidays and gifts go together. For some people shopping is not only fun but it’s an addiction. For others it’s a painful experience that they would rather not participate in. I am not a shopper. I try to avoid the mall at all cost. In fact, I’ll just come out and say it “I hate shopping”.
If holidays are supposed to be about family and traditions why is there so much pressure to “find the perfect gift” or to “outdo last year’s gifts”?
In this economy money is tight everywhere. So maybe now is the time to sit back and re-evaluate our priorities.
I admitted that I hated shopping. But I love giving gifts. I spend a great deal of time and thought on every gift that I give. I only give gifts to people that I truly like or love. I don’t just randomly hand out gifts because it’s “expected”.
As an organizer I tell my clients to “de-clutter their home”. I tell them to “give away or donate things that you do not really love, like or use”. But there is the “guilt” of giving away something that a family member or friend gave you. Even though you really, really don’t like it. Or, to be blunt, is downright ugly! I go through this a lot with my clients. So for the holidays I offer some professional and personal advice.
Don’t give gifts that you like. Give a gift that the recipient will like. If you haven’t seen them wear that green sweater with the funky design or hang that art piece on their wall, it’s not a good gift idea.
Don’t give them some decoration for their home. People like to decorate their homes themselves. They don’t like being forced to put out a decorative item just because it was given to them by a relative.
Don’t give them a gift basket of something that they are allergic to or something that they can’t eat because they are on a special diet.
Don’t give the children of friends or relatives something that their parents disapprove of. Everyone is entitled to raise their children with their own values, not yours.
Though I don’t particularly like giving gift certificates (because it’s so impersonal), there are times when it makes sense. Like when the recipient lives in another town or you don’t know their size or color preference.
Do consider giving the gift of yourself. Make time for a friend or family member and take them to an event (such as a play or movie) or a one-on-one dinner. With everyone so busy these days the gift of time means so more than a store bought gift.
Do something special for someone. Such as help them with a project that they really need help with and you have a talent for.
Do consider giving the gift of time to a friend or family member that can’t afford a babysitter and could really use some alone time with their spouse …or even by themselves.
Do consider the gift of food. Splurging on some really fun things like great cookies or beautiful pastries or appetizers that you would not buy on an ordinary day and would never consider buying for yourself. I buy my husband smoked Salmon and great crackers and individual bottles of micro brewed beer. He loves it and I get to help him enjoy it.
Do consider putting together a gift basket of basic food essentials for some friends that might be going through a rough time. In this economy that’s a lot of people and they would probably appreciate it even though you might not think it’s an especially original gift.
The holidays are about family and friends. Not outdoing each other with the best or most gifts.
Enjoy the holidays. Enjoy your family. And remember to give thanks for what you have.
Thanks to Organized A to Z Partner Karin E. Fried for contributing this article. Karen is a CPC and owner of Organizational Consulting Services. You can visit her Web site at www.organizationalconsultingservices.com.
December 1, 2010
Is your dream of stress-free holidays about as likely as a Hawaiian White Christmas? This season you can sleep in heavenly peace when you follow these simple steps and strategies.
In his book, Getting Things Done, David Allen talks about the stress of open loops. “Open loops,” he says, “can include everything from really big to-do items like ‘End world hunger’ to the more modest ‘Hire new assistant’ to the tiniest task such as ‘Replace electric pencil sharpener.’”
Put into holiday terms your open loops might be anything from “Ensure everyone’s happiness at Christmas” to “Make cupcakes for Junior’s class party.”
Allen’s solution to open loops is getting things off your mind and captured in a trusted system. Your trusted stress-reducing system starts with creating a Holiday Binder. Equip it with pocket dividers and label the sections – Holiday Planning, Cards/Gifts, Food/Décor/Parties, and Highlights/Review.
Holiday Planning – In this first section list your “no-matter-whats.” These are the traditions, activities, food, etc. that are most important to you and your family. Have a family meeting between now and Thanksgiving and record everyone’s holiday favorites. They might include a trip to the tree farm, attending a Christmas Eve Service, or simply watching favorite Christmas movies together. The items that qualify for no-matter-what status must be scheduled on the family calendar. As other opportunities arise throughout the holidays make sure they don’t bump what you’ve already prioritized as a family.
Create a Holiday Budget sheet (go to www.practicalspreadsheets.com for free downloadable forms) where you project the amount you will spend on gifts, entertaining, travel, decorations, etc. and the actual amounts spent. Keep a “Receipts” envelope in the divider pocket to store gift and other holiday receipts.
Schedule all the tasks associated with holiday planning on your calendar as appointments – decorating, shopping, baking, etc.
Cards/Gifts – Create labels for your Christmas card list and keep a hard copy in your Holiday Binder. Schedule your photo session (if doing photo cards) and give yourself a deadline of December first to have your cards signed, stamped, and ready to send. As you receive change of address info for people on your list, slip it into the divider pocket for updating later. If preparing Christmas cards is particularly stressful for you, consider sending a New Year’s greeting in January and eliminate it from your pre-holiday to-dos.
Your Gift List should include the names of each of the people you’re giving to and columns for Gift Ideas, Gifts Purchased, Budget Amount, Amount Spent, Wrapped, and Shipped/Stored. Keep your Holiday Binder handy throughout the year, so that if you think of a gift idea, or purchase something prior to the holidays, you can record it. Schedule on your calendar two shopping trips and wrapping sessions during November.
Food/Décor/Parties – Create a page for each meal or party you’re hosting and list supplies and tasks associated with those events. Be sure to check stock of what you have before purchasing food and decorations. Work as a team with friends and family and delegate what you can, so that you will enjoy the event too! As you pull decorating and party ideas from magazines, tuck them into the divider pocket.
Highlights/Review – This section may not help much this year, but it’s an investment in the future. Create a page to record your family’s holiday experiences, events, memories, etc. – those things you think you’ll remember forever, but don’t. Next record any changes you’d like to make for next year’s holidays. Store programs and other memorabilia in the divider pocket.
I can’t promise a stress-free holiday season, but as you focus on what’s truly meaningful to you and your loved ones and plan and prepare accordingly, you will experience a more joy-filled holiday season.
Thanks to Organized A to Z partner Brenda McElroy for contributing this article. Brenda is a professional organizer and owner of Organized By Choice in Fresno, California. She helps people make the choices necessary to regain control over their home, office, or schedule so that it truly reflects what they value most. She is a member of NAPO, and you can visit her Web site at www.organizedbychoice.com.
November 8, 2010
Try our Recipe Organizer and Party Planner to manage all the details of your Thanksgiving Feast!
Yes, “Organized“, “Stress Free” and “Thanksgiving” can be used in the same sentence. It all starts with the word “organized”. Don’t let it scare you. Embrace it. By being organized and planning ahead you can actually enjoy a holiday.
Start by deciding on what you want your holiday to be like. Do you really want to serve a sit down dinner for twenty (20) people? Or would a buffet be acceptable for you? Would it be acceptable for your “family”?
The pressure of trying to please everyone, especially parents and doing things “exactly” like when you were little and everything was perfect is how the “stress” starts.
It’s your house and your dinner party. You can start new traditions. I didn’t say that it would be easy or that you wouldn’t get some flack, but all “traditions” started somewhere. Make your own. You deserve some happiness.
If you really want a fancy sit down dinner party but twenty (20) people is too much for you to handle then cut the guest list down.
If you really want all twenty (20) people there then maybe you should consider a buffet. It’s much easier and your family will eventually come to terms with the fact that maybe you aren’t serving a formal sit down dinner, but the food is just as good.
You can make Thanksgiving as simple or as complicated as you want….it all depends on how organized you are willing to be.
A good way to keep the stress levels down is to divide and conquer.
Enlist your family for help. Don’t take “no” for an answer. This is your holiday too and you have a right to enjoy it.
And we all know that old saying “if Mom isn’t happy, no one is happy”.
Start at least two (2) or three (3) weeks before Thanksgiving.
Decide on the type of gathering (formal or informal), the size of the guest list and the menu.
Don’t attempt to make something new for dinner or try out a new dessert that day. It could turn out to be a disaster and that would cause you more stress. If you really want to try a new dish….test it out prior to Thanksgiving.
Menu: Do you really want to serve cranberry relish and sweet potato’s even if you don’t like them and only serve them because “they are always served at Thanksgiving”?
Make up your own menu (yes, it is radical). Serve something different. Serve something you like!
If you are having a small Thanksgiving dinner don’t feel obligated to serve Turkey. I know, blasphemy!
Last year I made stuffed Cornish Hen. It was wonderful and just as delicious as turkey. You can also stuff a small chicken or even a duck! Or be really different and have Ham! The possibilities are endless.
Start new traditions! It’s not easy to buck the system but once you make up your mind that you deserve to be happy and stress free on a Holiday you will wonder why you waited so long.
Remember, the whole point of a Holiday is family and friends and spending “quality” time together. Everything does not have to be perfect. Be thankful for what you have and not for what you don’t.
A great piece of advice: don’t attempt to clean your oven Thanksgiving morning before you put in the turkey. I did that once, years ago. I then found out that after the oven is cleaned it needs to cool down and the oven will stay locked for another hour or so after it’s done. And you can’t open it! It certainly put a dent into my dinner timetable!
By starting early and making lists and getting as much done ahead of time as possible you will avoid a lot of stress.
Once you have your menu planned work backwards and make up a timetable to what needs to be done.
For example: if you want your dinner to be served at 6 p.m., what time do you have to put the turkey into the oven? What time do the potato’s and vegetables need to be started? Just make a list and put it on your refrigerator door so that you don’t have to second guess yourself and aren’t panicking at the last minute.
When your family or guests start to arrive your mind and attention will be elsewhere….so a list can help you stay on track. Don’t leave anything to chance.
A few days before Thanksgiving:
- Shop for all of the essentials, including as much of the food as can be purchased ahead of time
- Make sure that you have enough spices and things that you will need for the food (and rarely buy)
- Do any of the baking or make any desserts that can be made ahead of time
- Thaw the turkey (the size will determine how many days it takes to thaw in the refrigerator)
- Buy the wine or any beverages
The day before Thanksgiving:
- Buy any last minute items at the grocery store
- Chop anything that can be chopped ahead of time (vegetables, bread for stuff…but do not stuff the turkey ahead of time) and put them in plastic bags so that you will be all ready to go the next day
- Make sure you have enough ice
- Prepare any of the food items that can be made ahead of time
- Make your family aware of exactly what you need them to help you with on Thanksgiving. Having assigned tasks for your kids and spouse ahead of time takes away some of the stress of what’s expected of them the next day.
The night before Thanksgiving:
- Set the table and get out all of your platters and serving dishes.
- Make sure that you have enough dishes and silverware. If you don’t, now is the time to call one of your guests and ask to borrow something. Don’t wait until the last minute to find out that you broke the gravy boat last Thanksgiving and never replaced it.
When I entertain I love to use all of my special platters and dishes. I love to fuss over my family and I love to set a very special table. I don’t consider it extra work or a hardship or stressful. It’s my way of telling my family and friends just how special they are.
But again…..the Holiday and family and friends are what’s important….not the china or the food. So if you aren’t the type of person to pull off a sit down dinner with all the decorations don’t beat yourself up. There are only so many Martha Stewarts around. And she has a staff to help her!
Thanksgiving Day:
- Wake up early so that you can have some “you” time to have coffee and relax before the day starts (it will get stressful enough later so the morning might be the only time you have)
- Read over your lists and timetable
- Gather all of your food and cooking utensils, pots and pans ….
- Measure out everything that you can ahead of time and set it aside
- Follow your time table and start making the food according to the schedule
- Once the food comes out of the oven let it rest a while (you can cover it with foil)
- Start cutting the meat and plating the food
- Have family members start their assigned tasks (setting out and serving food, pouring the drinks…)
ENJOY your meal…… sit and talk…..
After the meal:
Have a plan in place to clear the table. Since I always make a ton of extra food so that my guests can take home leftovers I start with portioning the leftovers into plastic containers and putting each family’s containers into a plastic bag and setting it near the door so that they don’t forget them.
Once I have the leftovers divided up and mine put away in the refrigerator and freezer I then start to collect the rest of the dishes and put them into the dishwasher. I don’t start the dishwasher until after they leave so that we won’t be bothered with the noise.
Again, this is where your family members can jump in and help clear and stack dishes. It makes quick work of things when you have other people help.
I need to have as many things cleared up and put away as possible before I start serving dessert. This also gives everyone time to rest and relax before they start eating again.
Some people like to leave the dishes and the mess until the next day. And sometimes I wish I could too, but its worse the next day when you get up and walk into a mess. I’d rather get it done and over with.
Make quick work of it (or as much as will fit into the dishwasher) and then sit and relax and spend time with your family.
Remember, a Holiday is supposed to be enjoyable. If it’s not, figure out why it isn’t and change it. Skip the big complicated meal, the fancy desserts and the good china and make it as simple as you are able to handle.
Start your own tradition….and make it about family!
Karin E. Fried, CPC, is the owner of Organizational Consulting Services. You can visit her Web site at
www.organizationalconsultingservices.com.
November 1, 2010
Contributed by Organized A to Z partner, M. Colleen Klimczack, Certified Professional Organizer, Peace of Mind Professional Organizing
Meeting Common Holiday Challenges
Decorating:
- I worked with the client recently who reported dreading the decorating process she enjoyed it, mostly, but the idea of her 20 bands of Christmas staff scattered all over her basin and living room seems too daunting.
- I advised her to open one bin at a time, take out only the items she wanted and place it in her home, and then put the bin away. One bin at a time. Control the flow of chaos.
- Decisions: I came home if, and realized I could do that, too. I thought I would try a theme this year, so…
- Supplies: I have been shopping in my own Christmas bins, selecting only the items I want, the ones that fit my “theme”, and putting the rest away.
- Action: the house looks nice, I am enjoying my minimalist attitude and my kids will be ecstatic when we put up Christmas tree this week. It’s all good!
- After the holidays, I will reassess what I did not get out this year and decide if I want to get rid of it.
Entertaining:
- Decision: I have a party coming up next week. I have the time to shop and prepare items right now, but I have not decided on the menu. So today, I will determine my menu (apps and a light meal, by the way).
- Supplies: Once I know my menu, I can look at what I have on hand, and then determine my shopping list. And I can answer “Yes!” to people who have offered to bring things, and add those things to my menu, too.
- Then I can get cracking on my party planning. And I love party planning!
Colleen provides her clients with some Peace Of Mind about their homes, schedules, paper, families and lives. Her areas of expertise are the home and home office, small businesses, paper and time management, attics, basements and garages, closets and kitchens, and kids and families. She offers a wide range of organizational services, from presentations to products, small business mentoring to maintenance plans. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), The Chicago Chapter of NAPO, The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and Faithful Organizers, a group for Christian Organizers.
December 18, 2009
Contributed by Organized A to Z partner, M. Colleen Klimczack, Certified Professional Organizer, Peace of Mind Professional Organizing
Meeting Common Holiday Challenges
Christmas cards:
- Decisions: my sticking point is that I can’t get the holiday photo cards out until I have them printed, and can’t get them printed until I either 1) take a new picture or 2) use a picture from our summer vacation. So for me, to solve this issue is not action, but a decision, and then an action. I need to review my vacation photo and/or pick up my camera.
- In a matter what type of card you send, we all need to know how many cards we need, so make a list of recipients to get started.
- Supplies: If you don’t do a photo card and therefore do not have to wait, make your list of recipients and go out and buy your cards. Just do it! I can make sure I have stamps, addresses and mailing labels, etc., now, while I wait for my cards to get printed.
- Act: Once everything is assembled, set your timer or perhaps a number, i.e. 20 cards a day, and work on them until they are done. Pat yourself on the back, take a deep breath, a yep –move on to the next area.
Read more of Colleen’s “get through the holidays” tips by visiting this blog tomorrow!
Colleen provides her clients with some Peace Of Mind about their homes, schedules, paper, families and lives. Her areas of expertise are the home and home office, small businesses, paper and time management, attics, basements and garages, closets and kitchens, and kids and families. She offers a wide range of organizational services, from presentations to products, small business mentoring to maintenance plans. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), The Chicago Chapter of NAPO, The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and Faithful Organizers, a group for Christian Organizers.
December 17, 2009
Contributed by Organized A to Z partner, M. Colleen Klimczack, Certified Professional Organizer, Peace of Mind Professional Organizing
Meeting Common Holiday Challenges
Baking: set your timer, and just do it!
- Choose your recipes. Stop looking for new ones, focus on the ones you already have.
- Collect and purchase ingredients.
- Get baking. Just do it! Luckily, we can bake and do other things, too, between batches. I will do a type of cookies every night this week since I am in the kitchen anyway. And at the end of this week, I’ll be done. (Remember, too, cookies can be bought!)
Cleaning the house: Set the timer, and just do it!
- Priority for this is determined by when you are having folks visit your home!
- Realize that there are things that can be done right now today to help things go more smoothly later.
- Your plan of attack is to work through the most important rooms (public spaces, kitchen, guest room) during your timer sessions until you are caught up.
- Buy your cleaning supplies, minor repair items like light bulbs and such.
- Get rid of clutter already destined to leave your home (donations, recycling, etc.)
- Set up your guest space right down to a final 10 minute dust/sweep/clean sheets and towels session.
- You’ve made your decisions, and assembled your supplies, now set the timer and get busy!
Read more of Colleen’s “get through the holidays” tips by visiting this blog tomorrow!
Colleen provides her clients with some Peace Of Mind about their homes, schedules, paper, families and lives. Her areas of expertise are the home and home office, small businesses, paper and time management, attics, basements and garages, closets and kitchens, and kids and families. She offers a wide range of organizational services, from presentations to products, small business mentoring to maintenance plans. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), The Chicago Chapter of NAPO, The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and Faithful Organizers, a group for Christian Organizers.
December 16, 2009
Contributed by Organized A to Z partner, M. Colleen Klimczack, Certified Professional Organizer, Peace of Mind Professional Organizing
Meeting Common Holiday Challenges
Gift purchases: Set your timer, just do it!
· Have you started? Are you lost in the middle?
· Decide what you’re buying for folks, by the items, wrap them and send them. Stop dawdling, just do it!
· Make your shopping list as specific as possible. Decision-making is the hardest, most time consuming part of organizing.
· Once you make a decision, write it down. For example, if you know you’re getting your son a White Sox jersey, don’t write down on your To Do list “Gift-Daniel.” Write down “Daniel – Sox Jersey, size M”. This enables others to help you, and it reminds you what you are looking for when you get to the store, etc.
· Carve out the time to make your purchases. The Internet is a wonderful thing this time of year. I love seeing the UPS guy walking up my walk! If you need to physically go out and shop, determine when your stores are open and carve out the time to do your shopping.
Wrapping gifts: Requires gifts are purchased, so this comes after “Shopping.” Set your timer, then…
· Set up your wrapping area (folding card table, guest room bed, who knows?!)
· Assemble your tools: wrap or gift bags, tissue paper, tape, ribbon, scissors, tags, and a pen.
· Go buy tools, if you need to.
· Wrap. Just do it! And do it again tomorrow and the next day, until you’re done.
· I tend to wrap my gifts long before Christmas. It gives me a chance to make sure I have all the gifts I need, add batteries or accessories, and leaves me time to pick up something else if I need to.
Read more of Colleen’s “get through the holidays” tips by visiting this blog tomorrow!
Colleen provides her clients with some Peace Of Mind about their homes, schedules, paper, families and lives. Her areas of expertise are the home and home office, small businesses, paper and time management, attics, basements and garages, closets and kitchens, and kids and families. She offers a wide range of organizational services, from presentations to products, small business mentoring to maintenance plans. She is a member of The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), The Chicago Chapter of NAPO, The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce, and Faithful Organizers, a group for Christian Organizers.
December 15, 2009
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