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Besides tangible items, consider asking for or giving something that doesn’t require permanent storage space such as:

Purchase movie or theater tickets and include an offer to baby sit or to go with them

Prepare a box of easy to make food for a college student or add a small binder with your favorite recipes and include some of ingredients for someone newly on their own.

Register them for a class to explore a new hobby they have been talking about

Start a new magazine subscription or renew their favorite

Establish a membership to a museum (even if it is only a short-term trial)

Offer to run an errand or do something around home of an elderly neighbor or relative.

Bake a batch of holiday cookies for person who never seems to get some baked

No matter what it is, come up with fun ways to package item. You will find gifts are more appreciated because you made effort to think about what they would really like and enjoy.

Establish a tradition

You may be decorating your home, baking cookies and deciding what gifts to buy for special people in your life, but there are some people who are not eagerly awaiting this special time. They are dreading telling their children they won't be getting that wanted toy and there won't be a special meal. During holiday season many organizations are looking for donated items such as never been worn clothing (you know those items with tags still on them hanging in your closet) or gently used items to give to those less fortunate. They are looking for food to share and people to help deliver or prepare that food. Consider starting a new tradition of giving and give a gift where you can help someone else experience joy of season. You may find that your wish list and that of your family begins to reflect what is truly important in season of giving!

Packing Up

As you are taking trimmings down after holiday is over, weed through them and determine if you want or need them all. When they are all out, does it feel festive or cluttered? Are any of them broken? Can they be fixed? Take time to fix them now or throw them out so that next year, you are only putting out your favorite things. Also many stores offer colored storage bins that can help you find right containers easily following year.

From start to finish, don’t let clutter overwhelm season. Do your best to keep things neat by doing a quick 15-minute pick up every day. Enjoy season and all blessings that are around you.

©2004 Caroline Potter