by Melissa Capps


 We sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” but sometimes the way we feel is far from the lyrics of that great song.  Holidays can be stressful, and sometimes we feel like everyone else is having a great time while we are just spending every last ounce of energy we have.  It shouldn’t be that way! 
I have a few simple tips that will help you maximize enjoyment
 and minimize stress in this season.


 


·         As much as you can, hold off on new projects
 This is not a great time of year to undertake redecorating the room you’ve been putting off, or ripping up flooring to install something new in time for Christmas.  We learned this the hard way, as one season we spent Christmas and New Years in the middle of a major DIY renovation.  It really took away from our joy and time as a family.  I say “as much as you can,” because we ourselves are now undertaking a small project that just arrived at the top of the “list.”  It’s been a long time coming. However, it’s not something we’re doing ourselves but paying someone else to do, and it’s quick.  So if you need to dive into something, make sure it’s small and aim to steer clear from DIY.
·        Delegate
 If you are hosting for a family meal, party, etc. always say YES when someone asks if they can help or bring something.  Consider yourself the organizer, and delegate out everything that can be done by someone besides you.
·        Purge as you clean
 The spaces you should focus on cleaning/de-cluttering are: kitchen, dining room, and living area.  Grab a box for items to donate and a bag for trash, and go for it.  Do not grab armfuls of stuff and throw them into a spare bedroom or your master closet.  Yes, I’ve been reading your mail. J Understand though that this is not a good time to undertake a huge organizing project on your own.  So you won’t exactly be able to find homes for everything floating around.  But, let go of the things that can go.  If you have large items that you want to sell on EBay or Craigslist, post one of those every couple days.  This is a good time to sell, as people are looking for gifts. Find a temporary solution for everything else. 
·        Do what works for you
We are all different in how we prefer to shop, decorate, make preparations, etc.  Do it the way that works for you and your family.  Don’t compare your method with all the pictures on Facebook, or what you hear from coworkers.  Be yourselves as a family and put your family stamp on it!
·        Loosen up
 Some personality types, more than others, feel the need for celebrations to go “textbook smooth”.  There’s nothing wrong with being prepared, and there is nothing wrong with going all out for your celebrations.  Remember this: things rarely go as planned and when the glitch comes, be willing to roll with the punches. Don’t let unmet expectations steal your joy!  Keep relationships and your reason for celebrating in the center.  People will not remember what type of serving dishes you used and that the meal didn’t start on time. They will however remember whether or not they felt loved.
Hoping this helps and encourages you throughout your preparations.
May you all have Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!


Melissa
Get Organized.  Simply Live.
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 Melissa is a professional organizer based in Wilmington, NC and the owner of Simple Spaces. www.simplespaces.com As a wife and mother of three young children she enjoys almost everything outdoors. Her passion for organizing is used during wild family adventures, quality time with friends, decorating, and through re-purposing old items. The chaos of living in disorganization turns into stress for each family member and when her home has order she knows all are happier and more at ease.