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Romans 12:2
Encouragement to fulfill God's purpose through Practical Life Application and Navigation

5 Steps to Declutter Christmas!

November is often filled with brisk autumn days, apple cinnamon scented candles burning, delicious Thanksgiving dishes and a myriad of Christmas preparations. It’s often a lively, eventful time of year which quickly segues into the chaotic holiday rush. What if you took ‘chaos’ out of the equation and replaced it with another descriptor such as ‘joyful’, ‘peaceful’ or even ‘relaxing’? This might sound unrealistic but it isn’t. In Declutter Now!, we discuss decluttering each area of your life, leaving more time, money and freedom to enjoy what matters most. By utilizing some of the core concepts from our book, I’m going to provide five easy steps for decluttering the holiday season which will transform your heart and home in short order.

Step l – Attitude Adjustment. Typically, fall isn’t when we consider decluttering. Spring cleaning is called just that – because it’s in the spring! This time of year, however, often provides the opposite scenario. We’re gathering and collecting everything from decorations, gifts and material for crafts to greeting cards and ingredients for yummy traditional dishes. Decluttering isn’t about discarding these festive holiday pleasures, but intentionally preparing so you can enjoy them more fully. Attack this holiday with a new and improved mindset. BEFORE things get geared up, commit to making adjustments in preparation for what’s coming. It’s time for an intentional, practical, hands-on approach.

Step 2 – Prepare the Way. November provides an ideal opportunity to donate. There are endless charities, all in need of gently used clothes, toys and household items, who are especially grateful for assistance before the holidays. Warm clothes are in high demand and a recycled gift may be the only present a little one receives. Get rid of your excess, not only to benefit others, but to make room for what may be coming. If you have young children, you can relate to the feeling of exasperation when you look at the mound of Christmas gifts they’ve received and dread the work trying to fit it in already stuffed closets and overflowing drawers. Instead of encountering this frustration, try a preventative organizational approach and breathe easier when the time comes!    

Step 3 – Ditch the Drama. There are more jokes about the family drama which ensues during the holidays than ornaments on a Christmas tree. Sitcoms have a field day mocking the insanity that goes on and movies make millions playing off the turmoil that many experience. This is the year for a welcome change of pace! Think about holidays past, paying particular attention to the highlights you cherish and moments you’d rather not remember. What changes can make to ensure more of the good and less of the bad? Of course, there’s the unavoidable that no amount of planning and preparation can prevent, but intentionally setting the stage for a season of fond memories and joyful moments will set you up for the best chance of success. Don’t accept invitations out of obligation and don’t extend them out of guilt either. Intentionally choose with whom you spend your time and where. Festive means cheerful, joyful and merry. It isn’t festive if you’re feeling uncomfortable, anxious or downright miserable. Decluttering this area of the holidays may be one of the more difficult to address, but generally proves to be the most rewarding. Be true to yourself and take a no regrets approach.

Step 4  – Declutter Debt! Overspending during the holiday seems to be the way of it. Any other time of year, frivolous or extravagant spending is shunned, but at Christmas, a different set of rules seem to apply and all bets are off. I beg to differ. While I agree this time of year is about giving, that doesn’t necessitate running up a mountain of debt that’ll take you until next Christmas, if you’re lucky, to pay off. Is that really the ‘Reason for the Season’? Hardly! Make your giving count by giving within your means and from your heart. Thoughtful trumps excessive any day, and if the recipient doesn’t agree, they don’t deserve your gift anyway. Harsh but true. Tap into your creative side and craft a homemade present. Offer free childcare for parents that don’t often get a break. Perhaps plan a simple date to spend time with a special friend. There are many ways to show you care without breaking the piggy bank. Don’t allow debt to eat up your holiday spirit.

Step 5 – Balance! Remember, it’s okay to say ‘NO’! The holidays can easily be overshadowed by a zillion to-do’s and commitments. Don’t get caught in the clutches of the Christmas chaos. It’s better to attend two functions, with the time and energy to genuinely enjoy them both, than to squeeze in four or five and miss the joy of each occasion because you’re a rushed, exhausted, overwhelmed mess. Do yourself and your family a favor – prioritize first and then declutter the least important activities.

Envision a Christmas where you feel prepared from the get-go. A time of deep joy and contentment because you’ve decluttered the areas that frustrate, hinder or otherwise trip you up. No guilt. No obligation. No lingering debt. Just time and peace to enjoy the holiday season with those you love. Take a proactive approach this time around and relish the reality of this vision. It’s practical, possible and yours for the asking. Make the decision to Declutter Christmas!

– Did this post hit home? If so, please comment and tell us your story or gameplan for changing things us this Christmas! Blessings!

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4 Responses to 5 Steps to Declutter Christmas!

  1. Brenda says:

    What a coincidence! I write a blog called “Christmas All Year Long” which is about preparing in advance so that the holiday season isn’t a hectic mess of disappointment. 🙂

    My biggest problem is lack of time come December, which results in fewer goodies being made. My game plan is to make and freeze items such as cupcakes and cookies and then thaw them out and finish decorating them as I need them in December. I’ve already experimented with recipes and had some successes and have a special breakfast muffin ready to go in the freezer. I’m collecting ingredients in advance so that I don’t have to make special shopping trips later (which sometimes leaves me empty-handed when the shelf has already been cleared by other shoppers). I intend to enjoy Christmas all season long and not invite stress into my home!

    • Sherry says:

      I LOVE your idea of preparing baked goods ahead of time and just saving the finishing touches for last. Since you’ve experimented already, care to share one of the best recipes for a cookie that freezes well? Just reading your comment made me feel less stressed about Christmas! 🙂 Being prepared is key. Thanks so much!

  2. Brenda says:

    I’ve frozen chocolate chip oatmeal cookies in the past that were fine. Otherwise, this is the first year I’m going to freeze “Christmas” cookies. I’ve read that Christmas cutout cookies freeze really well. I never have time to make those and decorate them with icing and sprinkles and all. So that’s what we’re baking this week. And probably some dreamsicle cookies too. Those are easy. (I want to host a cookie swap in December!)

    • Sherry says:

      You are REALLY putting me in the Christmas spirit. While I love baking, the decorating is the most fun, so doing the ‘work’ ahead of time and saving the best for last and enjoying it makes so much sense! You also made me think of these yummy banana cookies I make that requires the dough be frozen. Perfect! Thanks again! I’m going to follow your lead!

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