Tag: holiday

Make Space for Charity This Holiday Season

Posted on by Jordank

’Tis the season for #giving! But what will you be giving this year?

There’s nothing inherently wrong with amassing a big pile of gifts under the #Christmas tree. It’s what most Americans have grown to expect over the years, and you might be seen as a spoilsport if you buck consumerism entirely. Everyone likes to open a wrapped #gift!

But also consider making room in your budget and schedule for #charitable #donations this holiday season. It’s a way to share your good fortune with the people and causes that you and yours care about, and even a small #donation can make an impact.

This year is fraught with need. #Charitable organizations worldwide are seeing their funding from the U.S. government dry up. Millions of people are facing food and shelter insecurity every day — overseas and down the street.

Dedicate your dollars to a cause close to your heart. It might be a global concern that feeds people in conflict zones or provides medical care, a nationwide #nonprofit protecting civil liberties or the environment, or the local humane society or food bank.

You can also #donate in another person’s name in lieu of giving some gewgaw that’s destined to wind up in in a landfill. Consider the organizations they value, and give; it’s a particularly good option for a last-minute gift or giving from a distance.

Be sure to pick a charity that uses your donations efficiently. At least 75% of the funds should go to the mission rather than administrative costs, according to Consumer Reports. Check the Charity Navigator to research giving options and charity ratings.

The gift of time is just a valuable. Volunteer at the local homeless or animal shelter. Start a fundraiser for a local charity or a drive to stock the local food pantry. Drop a few toys off for the tots to enjoy. Bring a few treats to the local #veterans’ home.

Speaking of #veterans, there’s an easy way to give that also can help you live a more secure, streamlined and uncluttered life. Bag or box up some of the #clothing and #household items you no longer need and #donate them to ClothingDonations.org.

Whatever you choose, give this #holiday season and throughout the year. For your trouble, you’ll get the good feeling of spreading joy. Happy Holidays from ClothingDonations.org!

How to Defuse Holiday Stress

Posted on by Jordank

The #holiday season is in full swing. That typically means shopping, cooking, wrapping, visiting, hosting and any number of additional obligations. You might thrive on this kind of activity, or you might shrink from it — either way, you’re going to feel the #stress.

To defuse stressful feelings, don’t overcommit, says Dr. Kate Truitt. Know your limits and stick to them. Some people thrive with back-to-back-to-back parties, events and errands; others will burn out on that kind of “fun” fast. Keep plans loose to allow room for spontaneity.

Also, let go of external expectations. The idea of a “perfect” holiday is marketing in disguise, Mindful says. You might see a TV personality or social media influencer creating the most amazing holiday table, for example, and feel bad because yours could never measure up.

Dispel any worry about how things “should be,” and concentrate instead on simply being yourself, doing your best and being present. Try to appreciate what you have and avoid any comparison to someone’s airbrushed, stage-managed, Instagrammable version of the #season.

If seeing certain friends and family members brings stress due to personal or ideological differences, experts at Emory University say to set boundaries and focus on areas of connection. Redirect potentially volatile conversations to neutral topics and shared experiences.

If you simply can’t escape the rising tension, take a time-out. Go for a walk. Do some deep-breathing. Employ an exit strategy: “Sometimes, stepping away from a heated conversation is the best option. Use polite excuses like ‘I need to check on something in the kitchen.’”

Finally, never ignore self-care. Prioritizing others’ happiness at the expense of your own can lead to exhaustion and resentment. Remind yourself that you’ve done your level best to meet the season and that is going to have to be enough. Schedule time for your favorite “reset,” whether it’s a spa day, hike or movie night.

If #stress and #anxiety persist and you start to feel hopeless, drained or physically ill, you might benefit from help. Engage a therapist or other support. As Dr. Truitt says, “The best #gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones is the healthiest, happiest version of you.”

Bring the Outside in for the Holidays

Posted on by Jordank

You can #decorate for the #holidays elegantly and #inexpensively by foraging, says HGTV. Fallen branches, leaves and evergreen boughs are easy to come by, especially if you’re doing a little bit of fall pruning. Take a spirited forest walk and not only will you get some fresh air, you’re likely to find fragrant pine cones and greens suitable for the mantel, dining room table or porch railing — maybe even a log for the fireplace. Amaryllis and holly cuttings offer more ways to bring the outdoors in for a designer-approved #Christmas home. #HolidayDecorations

Make Room for the Holidays

Posted on by Jordank

Is your space so #cluttered that you don’t know where to put the #Christmas tree? Prepare your home for the season by #dcluttering before you start #decorating, The Spruce says. Start by clearing out the stray children’s toys, and ask kids to pick a few things they no longer want to #donate or #trash. Do the same for your #holiday #decorations by getting rid of anything no longer fits your decorating scheme. And do a quick tour of the tchotchkes #cluttering your display surfaces — can they be stored for the holidays in favor of more seasonal items? You might find something that can be #donated or regifted. #HolidayDecorations

Holiday Decorations Don’t Last Forever

Posted on by Jordank

If you’re anything like the folks at the Organizing Blog, you might have a stash of vintage #Christmas ornaments you’ve collected over the decades. These fragile little gems — some of them family heirlooms — adorn your tree year after year, but they weren’t made to last forever. Pack and unpack them carefully, continually #decluttering and eliminating the ones you are no longer fond of. And remember, you can only use so much Superglue; accidents happen, and those jagged edges and frayed wires could present a #holiday hazard. #Upcycle when you can, says DIYnCrafts, but be prepared to say goodbye when necessary. #HolidayDecorations