Ho, Ho, No! Seasonal Chaos!

It’s that time of year again. Pumpkins, Turkeys, Menorahs, Santa Clause, Baby New Year are showing up everywhere. I always am taken aback when I read in the newspaper that the Santa reservations (at $15 a pop) are sold out by Oct. 15 at Phipps Plaza. How do we deal with all this seasonal clutter? Like any clutter, it can cause you stress. Right now is the time to sit down, breathe, and write down your vision of how you want the holidays to look and feel. What is important to you in each season? Has this changed over time? Are you on autopilot doing what you have always done plus the new items you have added in recent years? I used to really go all out for Halloween when my children were little. I decorated. I helped them make costumes. It was a big deal. Now that my children are in their forties, not so much. I may put out a pumpkin and buy some candy- done. My vision of this season is simply to enjoy the neighborhood children and their costumes. My vision for each holiday has changed as my life has changed. Do you allow changes in your expectations? Develop a list of the most important things you want to do and experience in each holiday. If you live with others, check with them about what their most important items are. Now go to your calendar and start to log in when you are going to do tasks such as parties, shopping, baking, cooking, decorating, un-decorating, etc. Remember to build in time to just relax and enjoy your decorations and your holidays. I would love to hear how you handle your holiday stress. Jonda S. Beattie Professional Organizer

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