Holiday Gifts - What's Really Important

Christmas isn't only about gifts - believe it or not. It's about family and friends.

With only a week before Christmas the pressure is on. Do I have enough presents for everyone? Do I have the right presents? How can I make it through all of the holiday parties? If I go to one party - do I have to invite people over to my house for a party? How can I top my best friends Christmas decorations?

Too much stress!!!  Not enough "holiday spirit"!

By being organized - and starting early - you can avoid the last minute stress of trying to fit everything in and make everyone happy. Take notes for next years holiday!

First - you can't make everyone happy. Buying a lot of presents or big presents doesn't make a person happy. Especially if the gift is something that they really don't want, like or need. You all know what I'm talking about.  Gifts that will never be used or will be re-gifted.

So why waste you time, energy and money buying things that people really don't appreciate?

People tend of overthink the holidays. Keep it simple. Keep it real.

Especially as people age and have their own "stuff" - they don't necessarily want their home cluttered with other peoples (idea of) good intentions.

So - how about the "gift of time". Everyone is so busy these days - that spending an afternoon or evening with a relative is worth more than the piece of pottery or shirt (in your style - not theirs).

How about an "experience"? Tickets to a play - with you, of course.

Or tickets to a concert (their pick)?

Or how about offering to babysit your grandkids for an evening (or weekend) so that your son and daughter-in-law could have a much needed break?

How about offering to mow their lawn for the summer? Or shovel their snow? These are great "gifts" from the kids.

Think of gifts that don't clutter their home. Gifts that they can really use.

Gift baskets - edible - are a great gift. Something that most people don't buy for themselves - but make you feel special.

Holidays should be about family - not seeing who can spend the most money.

They are also not about "out doing" each other with the best party.

Keeping it simple will keep your stress down and let you enjoy the holiday just as much as your guests.

And next year - start planning earlier - for an even less stressful and more enjoyable holiday season.

Wishing you all a very Happy and Stress Free Holiday!

Organizational Consulting Services

 Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY !

 

Growing up German, St. Nicholas Day was a very big deal for us.  And still is.  A boot is put outside the door on the night of the 5th of December.  St. Nicholas fills the boot with candy, chocolate and small gifts.  As kids we liked to use my Dad's shoes because they were obviously bigger, which meant more candy!  In the morning, on December 6th, we would race to see what St. Nicholas brought us.

To me St. Nicholas Day is super special. It reminds me of my heritage. It is also the start of the Christmas season.

I want to wish all of you a very HAPPY ST. NICHOLAS DAY !!!!

Reasons to be Organized – Reasons to GET ORGANIZED

Being ORGANIZED can make you a happier person. Really!

When you are organized you have more time to do the things that you want to do (besides organizing your garage….).

You will have more time to spend with your family and friends. 

You will be less stressed (and more fun to be around).

You will make a great impression at work – because all of your work is done on time.

You won’t be embarrassed to have people over to your home – because it’s organized, clutter free and inviting.

You will have more time for your hobbies.

You will be able to find things easily – therefore reducing your stress.

You will be able to enjoy all of the things in your home – because the clutter is gone and your favorite possessions can actually be seen.

You will save money because you are not constantly buying things that you already have – because you can’t find what you’re looking for.

You pay your bills on time – therefore you aren’t accruing late charges.

You only buy what you actually need at the grocery store (therefore saving money) – because you have a shopping list.

You save money by preparing meals at home – because of good time management skills.

You can teach your kids valuable organizing skills – which they will be able to use the rest of their lives.

You have organized your estate and life – so that your family doesn’t have to worry about what you want done and they know where to find all of your documents.

Organizational Consulting Services

 Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

On to the Next Holiday - It's Time to Start Writing Out Your Christmas Cards!

Thanksgiving is over and the stores are primed for Christmas.  Sales and Santa's are everywhere.

It's hard to enjoy one holiday at a time when they all seem to run together. But this is the time to remember your family and friends and reach out to people, your friends and family, that you have neglected over the past year. It's not entirely your fault. We are inundated with so many obligations that we can barely keep up with everything and friends sometimes go by the wayside.

So instead of sending out Christmas cards where you barely sign your name to the card - write a short note that really means something.  Not a "form letter" that you send to every person in your address book. Write something special and meaningful to each person individually. A few sentences mean a lot.

Start now. A few cards every day so that you are not overwhelmed. Make it personal.

With email and texting, cards and real letters seem to have gone by the wayside. But getting a piece of real mail means something. Something special.

So start now - one card at a time. And before you know it, you will be done.

Happy Holidays!

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Have a great THANKSGIVING filled with lots of stuffing!

Wishing you and yours a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING !


Organizational Consulting Services

Start Now - Organize Your Kitchen For the Holidays

It's getting near the Holiday season and I can smell the food already!  Cookies, pies and all kinds of great foods that we only make a few times a year will soon be seen in our kitchens.

Are you ready to start cooking?  Do you have everything you need?  Do you know where all of your special dishes are?  Your cookie cutters?  Your special molds?  Those seldom used special recipes?

If you don't bake a lot during the rest of the year you might want to check your supply of flour, sugar, baking powder and anything else that you might not use often. You don't want to find out that you are out of something during the middle of baking.

Having an organized kitchen is the key to a stress free holiday season.  If you've been out to the stores lately you will see that all of the baking supplies are neatly stacked in the aisles ready for you to buy.  They are teasing you and reminding you to stock up now!

Start cleaning out those cupboards and make a list of everything that you will need to start planning your holiday season. Give yourself plenty of extra time so that you will enjoy the process and not feel forced to have "fun" in the kitchen.  By being prepared ahead of time and having everything you need at your fingertips you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere and the holiday spirit.

Baking and cooking for your family and friends for the holidays should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Not something that you dread.

By being prepared and having everything in your kitchen organized and ready to go, you will have one less thing to be stressed about.

The holiday season is meant to be enjoyed.  Being organized makes life easier. Make it a family event and teach your kids how to make those special holiday cookies!
  

Less Clutter = Less Stress ^SM     in your home, your business and your life 

Organizational Consulting Services

http://www.organizationalconsultingservices.com

Holiday Planners - To Help Make Your Holidays a Breeze

Get some great FREE holiday printable planners to make your holidays a breeze!

Holiday Card Tracker

Holiday Gift Tracker

Holiday Menu Planner

Holiday Cooking Planner

2017-2018 Winter Planner

                   Cozi - Holiday Planners - FREE