We just completed our Christmas decorating this weekend, inside and out. I'm so happy with how it all turned out...some the same as last year, and some new changes. It feels warm and cozy, despite the snowy, cold weather just outside my front door.

While I was enjoying our accomplishments, along with a cup of hot cocoa, I sorted through this weekend's mail. It included three holiday invitations to parties in the neighborhood, and one to a holiday cookie exchange. This is certainly a fun time of the year with all the holiday festivities coming up...neighbor parties, holiday work gatherings, school events, church events, cookie exchanges, and get-togethers at various organizations we may belong to. While all this can be lovely, life can suddenly get super-hectic with all of these extra activities on the calendar, so beware of wearing yourself out.

First, if you really don't want to attend one or more of the events coming up (or you don't have the time to do so), and you're not truly obligated, bow out. It's not necessary to say yes to every invite you receive. For instance, while I do enjoy cookie exchanges now and then, I just texted the host and graciously declined the invite this year. My daughter and I are doing our own baking this December, and we want to keep it small. I also RVSP'd 'no' to one of the party invitations. While it was certainly nice to be invited, our calendars are pretty full for the month already.

Next, put your 'must-do' activities on your calendar. For example, one of the three party invites I received is a definite 'yes.' I RSVP'd and we're so looking forward to it.

Finally, for those activities that you haven't made a definite decision about, put them on your calendar 'written in pencil' so if you make it, great, but if not, it'll be OK. I've heard people say 'I'm already tired just looking at next week's schedule' and it's only the beginning of December. We're 'on the fence' about that third invitation. We'd like to go, but it depends on what TO DOs we're able to accomplish before then. The RSVP deadline is three days before the party, so we have time to decide.

My friend, Cindy, really keeps things simple for herself and her family this time of year. She picks ONE activity each week. She helps with her neighborhood caroling event by baking several batches of cookies one week. Another week she serves with her church by packing boxes of food to go to the needy and her whole family gets involved in that. On another week, she goes to a holiday party. She is very strict about this. Her motto is, 'protect my personal time and my family time.' I wholeheartedly agree with that.

So, following Cindy's lead, if your schedule is stressing you out, know that you don't have to attend every parade, craft fair, party, cookie exchange, holiday festival, and Christmas tree lighting. After all, we can still get that wonderful holiday feeling just by being home...taking in a holiday movie while relaxing on your easy chair in your PJs, decorating or baking with your family, playing a board game with your sister... you get the idea.

This also applies to our wallets that seem to empty out quickly the closer we get to Christmas. Maybe this year, if you're feeling financially burdened, pick ONE way to give financially, rather than giving to every Angel Tree, Santa box, Christmas box, coat drive, toy drive, etc. You might even choose to give of your time, rather than your money, like volunteering to ring the bells for a few hours for the Salvation Army. We don't want to end this year resentful of giving to others, but rather grateful that we were able to give.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the DECEMBER 2019 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the DECEMBER Issue...

A Season of Celebration
25 ways to eliminate holiday stress and time-consuming preparations

Organized Spending
14 tips to help ensure you don't run out of money before payday

Bullet Journaling
What is it...and is it for me?

How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You Note
The 4 vital components and why you may want to go the extra mile

What's for Dinner?
Have you ever thought, 'I don't know what to make for dinner? I'm so bored.' If so, here are four ways to avoid dinnertime boredom

3 Great Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Cranberry Walnut Brussels Sprouts
Brown Butter and Garlic Green Beans

Reflecting on the Past Year
The Naikan process of self-reflection

New Year's Eve at Home
Fun ways to ring in the new year in the coziness and comfort of your own home

It's a great month for YOU...to do things you enjoy and that help you unwind and lift your spirits

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUSES...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on December 6: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

GON Monthly Organizing Checklist It's the last month of the year. End on a super-organized note. You can do this when you use our NEW December Organizing Checklist
getorganizednow.com/organizing-checklist-dec.html

GON Mini Organizing Challenges For each week of December, our mini challenges will be focused on 'All Things Organized and Cozy' so you can have organized spaces and cozy moments this holiday season
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-dec19-organizing-cozy.html

GON Ask Maria Should I keep old margarine tubs and such for storage?
getorganizednow.com/ask-maria-tubs-storage.html

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

Web Poll When do you get the most done? Vote in my web poll on my home page and let us know.

Facebook Feature What are your top 3 holiday season goals this year?

Winter Inspirational Quote 'Winter is a time to...' Read the full quote on my home page

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

'Christmas gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the important things around us.' --David Cameron

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

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