1-12-17


This year, perhaps more than ever before... we have realized the importance of clearing out,
using things as much as you can (and in new ways)... and of salvaging and fixing things up.
To this end, I thought I would do a series of posts on clearing out and organizing, and living a simpler life.
I hope to do one once a week (Check out previous posts on Thursdays!)

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Most folks I know are either in the process of taking down holiday decorations, or have just finished it up. I think when you talk about clearing out and minimizing your stuff... most people don't take into consideration seasonal decorations and the like. And if they do think about it... they are either of the mind to not have much at all.... or to "go all out."
My mother-in-law was definitely one of those "go big or go home" type of people when it came to decorations... especially Christmas. And yet, she was fairly well organized about it all. She knew how much space she had to put things in (she had a cubby/slanted roof attic-type space. .. and she used it all to the best of her ability, packing it all with tetris-like enthusiasm and precision.
I am the former. We have one (yes only one) tub for Christmas decorations. It holds (all) the ornaments, lights, stockings, and knick-knacks fitting the season. Now, I will preface this by saying, I am not "into" Christmas decorating.
But I will say, that I have helped many folks go thru their stuff... and I will reiterate what I say to them...  keep what you love.. those things that have deep and personal meaning to you. Give other stuff to friends and family that may appreciate it... or sell it... or donate it.
For my own life, I prefer to have the things I love out all year long.... or in cases like artwork; where we own more than can comfortably fit on our walls, we rotate it out every so often. I add season accents... like fresh pine boughs, flowers, shells or whatever... and to me, that says "holiday." You however, are the only one who can decide what is right for you.

--see you all tomorrow.