7. Expect delays. Allow extra time for all your errands this month. No matter what, things just seem to be more hectic in December, and everyone wants to be all same places you want to be. Psych yourself up for it by expecting those delays. If you are mentally prepared for it in advance, it won?t stress you as much.

8. Choose which traditions are important to you and ditch rest. There is no reason to aggravate yourself by sticking with traditions you don?t like, simply for sake of tradition. Start some new ones of your own this year and leave old ones behind.

9. Because you see your stuff so often, you forget how much you really have, and you may keep things simply because you?ve had them for so long. The holidays are a great time of year to evaluate your home decor. Pack your everyday knick-knacks away when you break out holiday décor, and then after holidays, only put back those items that you really love. You can garage sale or donate rest. You?ll be amazed at how a few decorative pieces can have a greater impact than a lot of knick-knacks sitting around.

10. Remember to relax in between all running around! Get to bed early as often as possible and treat yourself to a nightly hot shower by candlelight. Just turn out lights, close door, and light a few votives in your bathroom. It?s easy and it?s a great way to unwind and feel pampered, even for men!

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.

What you tell yourself that your stuff means will either free you from its chains or enslave you. Today I challenge you to change way you think about your stuff. Take a good look around with new eyes. Look at your paper and ink and plastic and wood. And know that no matter what you tell yourself, stuff isn?t anything but stuff. So keep in your life only what is truly special, useful or meaningful, and free rest to benefit someone else.

When you free yourself of stuff, time commitments and all other things no longer valuable, you are then free to pursue things you enjoy, spend time with those you love, find what feeds your soul and gives you purpose.

Monica Ricci has been an organizing specialist since 1999, and her motivational presentations teach effective organizing and simplifying techniques for home and work. She also offers free email tips and ideas on how to make life simpler and more organized. Her topics include clutter control, paper management, time management, organizing space and procrastination.Contact Monica at 770-569-2642 or Monica@CatalystOrganizing.com.