Hope you're having a beautiful Christmas so far. Whether you're getting ready to be knee-deep in Christmas festivities, working at your job, having a small celebration, recovering from an illness or surgery, or spending alone-time today, take a few moments to grab a journal (or a simple sheet of paper) and write down 10 thoughts...whatever comes to mind.

It can be 10 things you especially appreciate, it could be 10 goals you'd like to work on in your life, it could be things that have been stressing you out, or it could be 10 completely random thoughts. This is your time...your mind...and your words...and exactly what you're feeling at the very moment you sit down to do this.

You can then use these words as inspiration for TO DOs or NOT-TO-DOs for the coming year, as a page of memories to reminisce about year-to-year, as thoughts to share during your Christmas dinner toast, or even to toss in the fireplace if they're thoughts you'd rather send up into smoke.

I've chosen to share my thoughts with you today. They're a bit of a mish-mash, but, that's OK. No rules! Here goes:

1) Every year (and this year is no different) I think about how nice it would be to go somewhere tropical and wake up in that paradise on Christmas morning. I live in Wisconsin. Brrrrr. But I also can't imagine not being home on Christmas Day. The struggle is real.

2) As I look around me in my house...the trees (yes, multiple) we've decorated, the lights, the Christmas village, and all the holiday decor...it was all fun to set up. But it's going to be nowhere near as fun to take down. And it's going to look so plain. We always wait until January 7th to dismantle everything. If there's one day of the year I don't look forward to, it's that day. I'm going to make a point of enjoying it thoroughly until then...and maybe plan something special following the annual take-down to make it less disappointing.

3) I miss my mom. She died last year on December 11th. It happened at 9:30 in the evening. My daughter had just completed two Christmas concerts and we were in our car waiting to pay for our take-out order at a local Culver's when my dad called with the news. I happened to have my car's phone on speakerphone and my 14-year-old daughter was in the car. My heart sank, we were one car away from paying the cashier and no way of leaving the line. This has been on my mind a lot this year, specifically today.

4) I may, or may not, have bought and wrapped a few gifts for myself this year OK, I did. I'll admit it. But I'll still act surprised as I'm opening the packages. I know I'll like each one...and won't have to return them.

5) I finally decided to look up exactly what 'figgy pudding' is. As it turns out, it's a rich, boiled pudding made with flour, suet, figs, and other dried fruit, traditionally eaten at Christmas. Hmmmm...that just doesn't sound good to me. If you've had figgy pudding, let me know. I can't seem to locate anyone who has.

6) Our Elf on the Shelf used to be way more active. These days, he hardly ever moves...except when he's sitting on a dusty surface. He hates dust.

7) I'm hosting Christmas dinner today for family...and am looking forward to doing it. At the same time, I can't help but think about those who are hungry, who don't have the luxury of a warm home, who are spending Christmas alone this year for the first time, who are suffering from an illness or an injury, etc. One of my goals last year and this year was acknowledging and helping when I was able to...it has made Christmas that much more meaningful to me...and a goal that will definitely be on next year's goal list.

8) My daughter is a Christmas fanatic and adores everything about it. She tells me every year that her future home is going to be lit brighter than the Griswold's house from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation movie. I love that she loves Christmas so much. It's sweet and I hope she always holds Christmas this special in her heart...and can pay her huge electric bill!

9) I know kids don't love getting socks for Christmas, but I'd think most adults are grateful to receive socks. Maybe not. But for me, they're one of my favorite gifts. The fuzzier, and cozier...the better. I'll let you know whether or not I unwrap some cool socks this year. I hope I do!

10) When the gifts are all unwrapped, the meal is done, and the guests have all gone home, there's something especially special about the peace and quiet that follows. I plan to savor it...and I hope you do too.

To close, as the song goes, 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light.'

XOXO,
Maria

If you've been wanting to shed weight, trim up, tone up, and look and feel the best you've ever felt in your life, I have something special for you this week. It's called GON GLOW and it's designed to help you shed those extra pounds...trim up...get toned...give you a TON MORE ENERGY...and provide that 'I feel great' feeling.

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GON Repurpose or Upcycle: Repurpose your magazine rack. Here are 4 fun ideas...
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GON Dirty Little Secrets I prefer folding my t-shirts this way. It makes them so much easier to find, and they look much neater in the drawer
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In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

* NEW Featured Video: Enjoy some of the most heartwarming Christmas commercials ever made

* Peace: 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

* 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 4.


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

'Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away.'
--Norman Wesley Brooks




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

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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