4 'Simplify' Tips to Sail Through December

I have long respected Marcia Ramsland for her wisdom, especially her organizational skills. In this special Saturday Holiday UPGRADE, she shares how to deal with holiday stress.
"Ever since I overcame my own overwhelming and chaotic Christmas Eve wrapping marathons years ago," Marcia says, "I've been passionate about helping people let go of the stress and enjoy the season."

When I [Dawn] read Marcia's recent newsletter about holiday stress, I was in the middle of a migraine and other physical upsets. I knew it was from a too-crowded schedule–afraid I can't get everything done. Her words, "let go," made a lot of sense.

Marcia inspired me to take a nap and contemplate how I could simplify some of my own holiday responsibilities.

As I rested, these words from Jesus encouraged me to seek Him:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

I don't think Jesus was talking about my Christmas schedule, but God's Spirit sure did encourage me! Later, I was ready to implement Marcia's four simplification tips.

Marcia continues . . .

 Stress? What stress?

December holds four extra activity layers that challenge your very best organization skills.

The four things that complicate our lives in December are: gift giving, decorating, cards, and extra events. But even with the added activities–not to mention the complexity (and joy) of relationships–you can enjoy the whole season!

1.  Simplify Your Gifts.

Everyone loves to recevie a gift, yet it takes making a Master Gift List of your own (or you can ours), to keep track of what you bought and spent. The same chart every year helps your memory and reminds you where to shop for each person.

2.  Simplify Your Decorations.

Remember that you store your decorations for eleven months of the year so get them up early!

And if it's all too much to put up, make someone else's holidays happy and donate some to charity. It's a Win-Win for you and them!

3.  Simplify Your Greetings.

This can be as simple as  choosing one card for everyone, computerizing your labels, or creating an email names list to send an Online Greeting. Keep in touch.

And send a photo to bring you closer to the people you love. I send a whole photo letter online and love choosing the photos from the year. Do it for others and yourself.

4.  Simplify Your Social Calendar.

Besides attending events you "have" to for work or responsibilities, choose another one or two that are new or make you feel the joy of the season. Make a memory and invite a friend or family to go with you.

December can either be the best month of the year or the most stressful.

What does it look like for you? Which of these "simplify" tips would help you sail through this month?

NOTE: For some great Holiday resources, check out Marcia's Organizing Pro Holidays link.

Marcia Ramsland is well known as the "Organizing Pro,” a national speaker, and author of over 100,000 books sold in her Simplify Your Life series. Marcia personally coaches individuals and organizations to be highly productive in managing their time, space, and life. Hundreds of clients and audiences from New York to California agree with her belief that anyone can become more organized - even YOU! Contact her at http://www.OrganizingPro.com.

Graphic adapted, Image courtesy of nuchylee at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.