As you #decorate for #Christmas or another December #holiday, you will undoubtedly unpack a lot of ornaments, twinkling lights and knickknacks — and you will likely add to that pile over the season. Do yourself a favor at the outset, says Good Housekeeping: clear out the #clutter of seasons past. Unused winter clothing, outdated and dog-eared decorations, spare shopping bags, and extra charging cords that don’t seem to attach to any appliance can be #recycled, #trashed or #donated to make way for new things that will put you in the holiday spirit. #HolidayDecorations
Tag: donate
Giving Thanks Is Good for You
Thankfulness is ingrained in the #Thanksgiving holiday. Most people consider how lucky they are to enjoy such a bountiful meal; they may also think about the many other things for which they are #thankful — things as simple as having a roof over one’s head, family and friends.
Expressing #gratitude is a healthy habit, according to Harvard Health. Studies show that focusing on the positive aspects of one’s life can improve well-being, strengthen relationships and encourage a sense of optimism.
Mental health encourages physical health, too. Study subjects asked to write down moments of gratitude every week exercised more and had fewer doctor’s visits than those asked to detail their aggravations or annoyances. Gratitude is good for you!
There is no wrong way to give #thanks. You can write down a few things that you are #thankful for at the end of the day, or simply review them in your thoughts. They can be everyday things or big-picture concepts; the trick is to highlight the positives.
Over time, thankfulness creates a mindset of gratitude — “an appreciation for all that life brings, good and bad,” says Tony Robbins. “When you not only have Thanksgiving gratitude but also gratitude for life itself, you’ll find fulfillment in life.”
Is Halloween America’s Favorite Holiday?
You may have noticed that #Halloween gets a lot more attention in the United States these days. Even when you factor in the truly American penchant for catering to — and monetizing — people’s interests, the #holiday has seen incredible growth in interest and participation.
Much of this growth is thanks to adults. Nearly half (47%) of U.S. adults named Halloween as their favorite holiday of the year, according to a new report from Ferrero Group, makers of Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Kinder and numerous other chocolate and candy brands.
“Last year, we identified the emerging ‘Adultoween’ trend, and now we’re seeing it evolve into a full cultural movement,’ says Chad Stubbs, CMO of Ferrero North America. “Adults aren’t just participating in Halloween anymore; they’re truly embracing it as their own holiday.”
The phenomenon isn’t limited to candy consumption. In 2005, half (52%) of adults celebrated Halloween, according to the National Retail Federation; today, that share has grown to 73%. That’s a lot of candy, pumpkins, plastic skeletons and fake spiderwebs — and no less than $2 billion worth of costumes.
Add to that the fact that the “spooky season” is promoted with horror-movie marathons, TV premieres, “haunted” attractions and more, and you have a seasonal economic juggernaut of frightening proportions — one that attracts more enthusiasts every day.
Unfortunately for the Halloween shopper, candy prices have jumped 10.2% since last year, CNN reports, with chocolate products leading the increases due to tariffs and cocoa shortage. That’s forcing many families to cut down on trick-or-treat giveaways or try to save money elsewhere.
You can #economize on #costumes and household #decorations by #shopping the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org, of course. You can also #donate any lightly used clothing and extras throughout the year. Keep the candy, though.
Happy Halloween to the many millions of aficionados in America! We at The Organizing Blog hope you have a safe, spooky and fun holiday.
Beat the Holiday Shopping Crowds
With prices rising rapidly and the #holidays on the horizon, you might want to start #shopping early. Stock up on any ingredients you might need for your #fall feasts and baking before the supplies run out, and hit the malls ahead of the crowds. You can #save #money and beat the rush by looking for lightly used cold-weather gear such as sweaters and coats (and maybe a few #gifts) at the local #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by your generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org now. Resale proceeds go toward the support of valuable #veterans programs nationwide. #FallActivities
Inexpensive and Fun Fall Activities
You don’t have to break the bank to have a little #fall fun. Cheap or free things to do include taking a nature walk; spending a day at the local café or reading a book; having a spooky-seasonal movie night; whipping up a batch of soup, chili or cookies; crafting; or playing a game of touch football. Another great thing to do is overhaul your #clothing closets and dresser drawers to meet the cooler weather efficiently. “It’s a wonderful time of year to #donate clothes to those in need,” says The Every Girl. “Spend a weekend getting recentered for a new season and give back at the same time.” #FallActivities