A decluttered holiday

With the holiday season already started and about to be in full swing, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy.  And what does frenzy translate to?  Stress and overspending. 

Before you get caught up in it all, take time to think about what your intentions are for the season.  Are you looking to spend more time with family?  Do you want to make the season more meaningful?  Are you going to donate your time to a worthy cause?  And most importantly, are you looking to not go financially crazy?

Ever heard you can fix something by throwing money at it?  And how has that worked for you in the past?  So here are some ideas to keep you on track with your spending and help create a clutter free holiday.

Utilize your resources
What do you already have?  Do you have a new item of clothing that you never wore?  What about other items?  Soaps, candles, picture frames, home decor?  Also think about items you no longer use that can be passed on to students or new homeowners.

Photo albums or pass on family photos
My mom has been going through old photos and identifying relatives and family members.  She just recently passed on a bunch of them to a distant relative and she was elated to get them.  Less stuff for my mom and a great gift for the relative.

Cookbook of favorite recipes
A few years ago I passed on my grandmothers cardamom bread recipe.  But I didn't just pass the recipe, I made a little book by copying the front page of the recipe book.  The recipient was a neighbor of my grandma's and he fondly remembers how my grandma used to make bread and rolls for him and his family.  So I included a note thanking him for the kind words and was glad to hear the memories will continue.  (email me and I will pass it on to you!)

Games
Is there anything better than a good game or puzzle?  Wipe off the dust on those favorites and pass on with a note telling the recipient about a favorite memory when you played it. 

Antiques/jewelry
Ok, this is a sticky one.  But why wait to pass on these items?  Wouldn't you rather see them open it in person?  (versus the alternative?)  Of course. My thought is to pass it on now.  Maybe it's not even a family heirloom.  Maybe it's just something they have admired.

Recently my mom and I went through her jewelry and decluttered.  Most of the items were not gold or precious metals, but it was fun to go through.  We separated some for me, my nieces and what she wanted to keep.  I am having a blast with my new items, the girls will be thrilled and mom can actually SEE what she owns.

Books
What's better than a good book? Don't you just want to share the great experience you had reading it?  Of course.  And when is the last time you actually re read your books? 

Food/Spices
Enough said.  Although if you live in a northern state, fresh citrus fruit is delicious.

Your professional services!
What do you do?  Professional services are always needed and welcomed.  Just make sure that you define your intent.  ie -one hour of housecleaning or one free oil change including oil and filter.

Holiday ornaments
How many do you have?  Plenty, right?  Passing on a few of the ones that no longer have a place would be a great gift for someone else.  Tell the recipient a story about it or just let them know it was from your tree to theirs.

To your organized and frenzy free holiday season