Clutter Busting Coach

...clearing clutter from your mind, body and space

Regiftable

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The third Thursday of December, December 17, 2020, is designated as re-gift day. I annually post about it although it is not so much talked about these days.

Yet regifting is the perfect opportunity to reduce clutter by passing on to others new and unused items you purchased or were received as gifts that no longer serve a purpose. These items can be used in regular gifting or as a white elephant gift. Passing on items that will be appreciated by others can assist with moving items our of your space because the move has purpose…to bring joy (and with a white elephant gift laughter).

Do not forget to follow the rules when regifting. Will you do it this year?

Holiday Planning Update

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We are now six weeks away from Christmas. Where are you with your holiday planning? If you started on November 1 you should be making some progress on your task list and hopefully you are feeling less stressed.

Have you been able to break your task list down and handle a little bit at a time?

Even if you are just getting started here are some ideas to divide and conquer your holiday task list:

  • Select one day each week to work on your holiday to-do list. Write it in your calendar.
  • Group errands together. Buy stamps and mail packages at the same time. Buy staples and stocking stuffers from the same store.
  • Delegate tasks to other household members. Get children to help with decorating, baking or wrapping. Get partners to help with lights, online shopping or decorating.

Make your plan and work your plan and your holiday will be joyful instead of stressful.

Holiday Survival: Take Care of Yourself

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Take care of yourself first during the holiday season and you are more likely to have more fun with less stress. Here are some ideas to help maintain holiday cheer this year:

  • Take a walk. Walking is repetitive, tranquil and rhythmic. Walking decreases anxiety and improves sleep.
  • Go outside in the sunlight. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin which helps relieve seasonal affective disorder.
  • Enjoy a comedy show or movie. Laughter reduces stress hormones.
  • Get enough sleep which also reduces stress.
  • Use the smell of citrus to boost feelings of well-being.
  • Eat regularly scheduled meals. Don’t let your engine run on empty.

So do some things for yourself and you will survive the holidays easily. What things do you do to maintain your holiday cheer?

Holiday Stress Busters

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Feeling tired and tense as the holidays approach? Here are some more tips to manage stress and make your holidays more relaxed:

  • Don’t be hard on yourself. Lower some of your expectations such as finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list.
  • Divide and conquer. Enlist the help of others to get the holiday tasks done.
  • Keep your regular exercise schedule. It will help take the edge off as well as prevent stress from building.
  • Meditate. Find 10-20 minutes of quiet time daily.
  • Simplify the holidays. Decide which activities are the most important and ditch the rest. Quality is better than quantity.

Some level of stress is normal and most of us adapt to it. Don’t let stress affect your enjoyment of this holiday season. Take control by using some of the tips above to stop stress in its tacks.

Stress Less with a Holiday Budget

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Even though I have posted about planning for a stress-free holiday, we haven’t yet touched on the topic of stressing less for the holidays by having a spending plan…it isn’t too late to mention it here. If you haven’t thought about your holiday budget yet here are some tips to build an easy system keep track of your holiday spending:

  • Create a central location to collect all holiday related expenses. Decide if you will use a binder or a note book to track your spending. Place a plastic sleeve into your book or binder to store receipts.
  • Categorize your expenses separately…one page for each category. Include things like gifts (for family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc.), stocking stuffers, cards, gift wrap, postage (including out of town gift mailing costs), travel, groceries, clothing, donations, decorations and dining out.
  • Determine your spending limits. Use last year’s expenses to help you determine this year’s budget. If you didn’t keep track, estimate what you think you will need in each category. Add up your projected costs and make adjustments if the number looks too high.
  • Regularly keep track of expenses. Write things down as you shop. If you go over in one category, be prepared to make adjustments in another. Review your expenses weekly.

Including a holiday budget in your planning process can help you achieve a more stress resistant holiday season. So don’t get too caught up in the holiday spirit and avoid that potential financial hangover by planning ahead for holiday spending.