I posted about my organization challenge for November. I didn't have grand hopes or aspirations of greatness. I just wanted to organize the corner of the basement. Putting all of that stuff into plastic tubs and throwing out the cardboard and throwing other stuff away felt good. Stacking up those boxes made me feel like I had something together. The organization challenge for December is Simplify. Perfect for this month, right? Perfect for believing that we are enough and we don't need to bake all the treats and go to all the parties and buy all the presents. For believing that not going overboard is okay.
Last week, we went to a Christmas party. It was Friday night. I'd just put in 40 hours of Sit. No. Yes. Hurry up. What are you doing? You need a pencil. Get out your [insert any random word here]. I was exhausted and practically coughing up a lung because of this never-ending half-cold I seem to have. Scott had made a dip because, at 10pm on Thursday he said we should probably take something to this party. We still had to stop at the store for chips though. And the auto part store so he could get wires to fix my car. We didn't know where the house of the party was necessarily and I had never met any of the people who would be there. A recipe for disaster, right?
Anyway, seeing how "together" some people have it can sometimes bring you down, you know? Pinterest inspired gallery walls, brand new everything, things unpacked and in their perfect place (even if you just moved in a month ago), more than one perfectly decorated Christmas tree, etc.
So I needed to remind myself of the Simplify resolutions I'd already decided on for December.
1. I don't need to bake all the cookies. In years past, I've gone overboard. This year, we're not going anywhere for Christmas and we don't have any guests either so there's no need for me to spend two whole days baking.
2. I don't need to buy presents for every person I've met in the last year. Oh, I thought about it. And it's not really a cost issue. It's a take-the-time-to-pick-out-something-meaningful-wrap-it-carefully-and-mail-it issue. I truly don't have time. And I know that sounds awful. I did send Christmas cards though. And I got the boxes mailed out to our families.
3. Do not Pinterest a gift for everyone I know here in Colorado. I did this one year in Alaska and dang, it was stressful. Actually, I did it two years in a row. I made hot fudge and chocolate covered pretzels one year and cake pops for everyone the next year. "Everyone" is coworkers. However, my building is small enough now that if I made stuff for one person, I better make it for the whole hallway (like 8 people), plus office staff and…inevitably I will forget someone and feel terrible. Best not to worry about it. I also didn't print enough cards from Shutterfly (because expensive) for every acquaintance I have, so I can't hand those out. However, do people really want a picture of me (who they see everyday), my husband (who they've never met), and my two dogs? Eh. Probably not.
4. Don't go overboard buying presents. You know how easy it is. You see all the holiday displays and stuff just falls into the cart. I'm 100% guilty of this. Tis the season, right? I finished my Christmas shopping 2 weeks ago. Scott's gifts (little things he'd never buy himself) are under the tree. The dogs each get a toy. In years past, I've bought myself gifts but this year all I picked up were new pajamas, slippers, and a travel mug. There's no need for me to wrap and unwrap presents to Kristin, from Kristin. I think I'm outgrowing that.
Is there any way you're trying to simplify December for yourself and your family? More ideas are welcome!
