5 Steps to a Clutter-free Holiday

  1. Let your values lead the way!

Take time to clarify what is important to you: do you want to have quiet time with family and friends or do you love entertaining and/ or being a social butterfly during the holiday season?  Is donating time or money to those in need important to you?

  1. Declutter your calendar

The holidays offer so many possibilities that your calendar can become crowded before you know it. Take time now to reflect on what brings you joy at this time of year. Write down three goals or wishes and identify whether you need to eliminate anything from your calendar in order to achieve them.

  1. Plan to achieve your goals

If you enjoy having a busy social calendar, consider taking time off from work or planning ahead to delegate or eliminate some of your responsibilities. If your true desire is to spend quiet time with your family and friends, make the choice to decline some of the social events to which you are invited.  If your desired holiday is dramatically different from what you have achieved in the past, you may wish to write down your new goals and post them in a prominent place in your home or office.

  1. Choose alternative gifts
  • Offer gifts from the heart to those you love. You might take a friend to the movies, wash their car or babysit for their children.
  • Ask friends and relatives to make a donation to a cause that you care about or offer you a gift of service in lieu of a physical present. Visit the Center for a New American Dream website for tips on rethinking stuff.
  1. Begin your holiday communications early (or late)

I work with many clients who feel disheartened in the new year because they had intended to send holiday cards or letters but underestimated the amount of time that the task would take.  If you wish to send holiday communications, begin your action steps now, or on the day after Thanksgiving. If sending holiday greetings begins to feel burdensome rather than joyful, consider sending Valentines Day greetings instead.

Be true to your values and have the happiest holiday season ever!