CHRISTMAS! ALREADY?

When I was a little girl a very magical thing happened during nap time on Christmas Eve — Santa Claus came to our house and brought EVERYTHING Christmas! The tree, the presents, the food!  It was delightful! We lived with my grandparents at the time and all of my aunts and uncles and cousins would gather for the merriment. The sights and smells and sounds were enjoyed from Christmas Eve all the way through New Years Day! Then Christmas was over and everything was gone. (I don’t remember if I ever wondered why Santa didn’t come pack up his own mess.) NOW the count down for Christmas seems to begin at Easter! In our neighborhood homes were adorned with lights before Halloween. There are many people who rent storage units to accommodate all of their decorations and managing the Christmas season can be a major undertaking. For most of us, we enjoy the Christmas season somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. I have one small tip to share as you find yourself setting out your decorations and adorning your tree. TAKE NOTE! Are there items you notice that you have been storing but are no longer setting out? Now is the time to be ruthless and consider allowing some of your past treasures to find new life in someone else’s home. You may donate some things, sell some things, re-gift some things or pass down some things — but THINGS is the key word — beware of having too many of them unless they are truly loved and used. Simplifying the process will relieve the stress involved in “setting up and putting away” and give you more time to relax and enjoy the season.