A GON Reader Asks:

Hi Maria,

First and foremost, your newsletter is the absolute best. It's the ONLY one I have been subscribed to for years...and the only one I find worthwhile reading. Thank you and hope you're having the best holiday season ever!

I have a question for you. I know you regularly tell us how to save time and energy...and doing so often saves us money. But I've read in your ezine and your Facebook page that you still send Christmas cards...which take a lot of time to write, and costs a bit to send as well.

I've always sent Christmas cards in the past, but have dappled with the idea of not doing so this year. I'm having a hard time getting inspired. I'd love to know what motivates you to keep sending paper ones the old-fashioned way.

Thank you for your thoughts,

This fabulous GON reader 'Ask Maria' question was submitted by:

Amanda J, Philadelphia, PA

* * * * *

Maria Gracia responds:

Hi Amanda,

Thanks so much for your note. I love your name, by the way. It's my daughter's name too!

Yes, I'm a big believer in saving time and energy...and saving money for sure. But when it comes to Christmas cards, my thoughts stray from these normally wonderful organizing concepts.

Before I get into it, please know I'm not trying to convince you to continue writing out Christmas cards...or to sway anyone else to do so. I know this Christmas activity isn't for everyone and that's perfectly OK.

That being said, here's why I, personally, love doing so every year...

1) I like getting off the digital train now and then. Living in a digital world is wonderful and I can't imagine life without the ease of sending someone a note that arrives in mere seconds or seeing what my friends are up to on Facebook. BUT, I always have this desire for more personal interaction. So, while it's easier to just place a big 'Merry Christmas' status update on Facebook, I prefer sitting down in a beautifully decorated room, in front of a warm fireplace, writing my cards out, person-to-person the old-fashioned way. It takes me back to simpler times.

2) I like the personal feel. When I RECEIVE a Christmas card in the mail, I feel the sender cared about me enough to keep me on his or her list, actually took those extra few minutes to sign it (maybe wrote and inserted a holiday newsletter in it) and put it in the mail...or maybe even took quite a bit of time writing a note just for me, which happens from time to time. Plus, that card in my hand was touched by the person who sent it to me. That's pretty cool. I'd like to feel that someone might feel the same way getting a card from me.

3) I like the 'surprise aspect.' These days, our mailboxes are filled with one of two things: a) bills and b) advertisements. I like the thought of someone opening their mailbox and being surprised with a snail-mailed Christmas card...something they can read, enjoy, and maybe even display on their doorway, card holder, or mantle.

4) Not everyone is digital. I know it's hard to believe...but not everyone checks email often. Not everyone is on social media. I like to let my non- or rarely-digital family and friends know I'm thinking of them at Christmas, which I wouldn't be able to do, as effectively or timely, digitally.

5) I feel it creates more lasting enjoyment. A card posted on social media moves down in the feed pretty quickly. You see it once...and then it disappears under all the other status updates within minutes. A card sent in the mail can be enjoyed by the recipients throughout the entire holiday season if they so choose to display it.

6) It's good for the soul. As I write out each Christmas card, I'm also given the opportunity to reflect on the people on my list. Some have had significant roles and influences in my life. Some have done something nice for me that I'll never forget. Some just make me happy to think about. There is a reason these folks are on my list...and I like to remember and acknowledge them. Christmas is a great time to do this.

There are probably a few other reasons, but these are what come to mind immediately. I don't see writing out my Christmas cards, creating my family's holiday newsletter, or writing personal notes a chore, or another time-consuming TO DO on my list. It's more of a lovely ritual for me that I enjoy...and I hope brings a smile to my recipients as well.

I hope this answers your question and I wish you and your family the merriest Christmas ever!

Maria

The World's Sharpest Knives

Help You Save Time (and are safer) in the Kitchen
In Fact...
They Even Passed the Shave Test,
the Tomato Test AND
the Ninja Test!

Makes a wonderful Christmas gift for others...or for you!

For super quick details, and a great video, about the world's sharpest knives, visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-chef.html

Did you know that there's nothing more dangerous in the kitchen than cutting with dull knives? A dull blade requires more effort and pressure to cut. This means there's a higher chance the dull knife will slip with a lot of force behind it, increasing the chances of an injury...and possibly a visit to the ER.

This particular set of knives is very unique. They're incredibly lightweight and are super-strong (they can easily cut through a butternut squash and makes slicing meat a breeze). This is because they're made with a ceramic blade that is actually 10 times sharper than steel.

You've got to check them out. For details, visit:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-chef.html

P.S. As a special bonus, when you order before FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14, you will get the following eBooks complimentary:

* 101 Food, Fruit, and Kitchen Hacks
* Fit Cookin'...Delicious, Healthy Recipes
* 25 Delicious Salad Recipes

To get your complimentary bonuses, just email me at: getorgnow@charter.net along with your order number and I'll email your files immediately.

By the way, these knives make great Christmas gifts too.

Also, and this is pretty cool...when you get your knives, 10 hungry Americans will receive a meal on your behalf through the amazing 'Feeding America' organization!

New on our Web Site!

GON Inspirational Quotes: These Christmas quotes are sure to make you smile...
getorganizednow.com/quotes-christmas-funny.html



GON Dirty Little Secrets Don't wait for the end of the holiday season to weed out your holiday decor. Here's what I do...
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-weed-out-christmas.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

* Warmth: That's the theme of the two quotes on my home page this week. Check them out, be inspired, and focus this 'word of the week' on yourself

* Did You Know?: What percentage of people display an artificial tree versus a real tree? What states are the highest spenders for artificial trees? Find out the answers on our home page in the green and red filled boxes.

* Featured Web Poll: Our question is, 'Are you sending Christmas/holiday cards this year?' Let us know in the online poll on my home page.

* GON Monthly Checklist Visit our December 2018 Organizing Checklist and start the TO DOs from today's date forward.

* GON Mini Organizing Challenges For each week of December, our challenge theme is Organizing and Increasing Your Knowledge. Do your mini weekly challenge for week 2.


Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

In Closing

'From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another. The warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other.'
--Emily Matthews





I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

How to Use This Newsletter In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life. We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course! When you share, please mention my name and web site - Maria Gracia - GetOrganizedNow.com as the source. Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide! -- Maria

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