Joy to the season with organization ideas
Ring the jingle bells. Play in the snow. Bring in the tree. Wrap the presents. Let’s do this season with joy.
I have been thinking about the fun of the holidays lately. It seems I hear as many people talk about the stress of the holiday season as I do about what they are cheerfully anticipating.
If our holiday celebrations are not fun, why are we doing them? Some activities may revolve around our beliefs, but what about the other stuff? Do we attend parties to enjoy the company of friends or to fulfill an obligation? Do we purchase gifts because we know the recipient will be cheered or because she bought something for us last year?
When we plan complicated parties, buy too many gifts, purchase things we cannot afford, or agree to attend events for the wrong reasons, we ruin our own fun. Possibly, we inhibit the fun of those around us as well.
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, set aside a little time to evaluate which things bring you the most holiday satisfaction. Make a list. Then, make a list of the things you would love to eliminate from the celebrations.
Now, consider ways to make the things you love more central to your festivities and push aside the things that drag you down. Take at least a few steps yet this year to realize these ambitions. Write a few notes about what can’t be changed this year, but could be with a little advanced planning next year.
Perhaps you need to set aside money earlier in the year to have funds available at holiday time without feeling crunched or going into debt. Maybe you need some reminders on your 2012 calendar that will help you get things ready sooner rather than later.
If fitting in your list of keepers every year leaves your schedule bursting, try doing some things only every other year. Or alternate between choices.
You might want to make your annual Christmas party a biannual event. Or, try alternating the hostess position with a friend. For variety, consider making it a round robin among friends or family. If you only host the party every few years, it can become more novel and joyful for everyone.
Involve your immediate family in your planning. The things that everyone agrees are great, keep. When you discover things the group as a whole dreads, discuss ways to gracefully avoid them. If there are things that some love and some hate, stay positive and have each member pick the one that they don’t want to miss.
Set a time on your calendar after the holidays to make notes for next year. Jot down what went well and what didn’t. If you hosted a party, put the guest list, menu, and other helpful things in a file or binder to reference next year. Include a list of gifts purchased or holiday cards sent, too.
Approaching the holidays in such an analytical way may feel uncomfortable, at least at first, but the payoff can be a more enjoyable, less hectic season that the whole family thoroughly enjoys.
I have been thinking about the fun of the holidays lately. It seems I hear as many people talk about the stress of the holiday season as I do about what they are cheerfully anticipating.
If our holiday celebrations are not fun, why are we doing them? Some activities may revolve around our beliefs, but what about the other stuff? Do we attend parties to enjoy the company of friends or to fulfill an obligation? Do we purchase gifts because we know the recipient will be cheered or because she bought something for us last year?
When we plan complicated parties, buy too many gifts, purchase things we cannot afford, or agree to attend events for the wrong reasons, we ruin our own fun. Possibly, we inhibit the fun of those around us as well.
As the holiday season kicks into high gear, set aside a little time to evaluate which things bring you the most holiday satisfaction. Make a list. Then, make a list of the things you would love to eliminate from the celebrations.
Now, consider ways to make the things you love more central to your festivities and push aside the things that drag you down. Take at least a few steps yet this year to realize these ambitions. Write a few notes about what can’t be changed this year, but could be with a little advanced planning next year.
Perhaps you need to set aside money earlier in the year to have funds available at holiday time without feeling crunched or going into debt. Maybe you need some reminders on your 2012 calendar that will help you get things ready sooner rather than later.
If fitting in your list of keepers every year leaves your schedule bursting, try doing some things only every other year. Or alternate between choices.
You might want to make your annual Christmas party a biannual event. Or, try alternating the hostess position with a friend. For variety, consider making it a round robin among friends or family. If you only host the party every few years, it can become more novel and joyful for everyone.
Involve your immediate family in your planning. The things that everyone agrees are great, keep. When you discover things the group as a whole dreads, discuss ways to gracefully avoid them. If there are things that some love and some hate, stay positive and have each member pick the one that they don’t want to miss.
Set a time on your calendar after the holidays to make notes for next year. Jot down what went well and what didn’t. If you hosted a party, put the guest list, menu, and other helpful things in a file or binder to reference next year. Include a list of gifts purchased or holiday cards sent, too.
Approaching the holidays in such an analytical way may feel uncomfortable, at least at first, but the payoff can be a more enjoyable, less hectic season that the whole family thoroughly enjoys.
Published: November 19, 2011
