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 Unused winter clothing, outdated and dog-eared decorations, spare shopping bags, and extra charging cords that don’t seem to attach to any appliance can be #recycled, #trashed or #donated to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: holiday
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.”
Get Creative With Leftover Turkey
A memorable #Thanksgiving should offer not only the #holiday feast, but leftovers, too! One easy and satisfying meal you can make with the extra turkey is a classic pot pie. If you have the time and energy, make a pie crust from only five basic ingredients (flour, butter, sugar, water and salt), or use a ready-made one from the refrigerator case (no judgement here). Shred the turkey and add your favorite vegetables — onions, carrots, peas, green beans, mushrooms, celery and corn are fair game. Add a splash of heavy cream and spices, and the filling is ready! Put the top crust on and pop it in the oven. #NoFailFallCooking
The Holidays Are Coming in Hot
It happens every year — no sooner do the leaves start to turn and suddenly, it’s the #holiday season. This year, however, the #holidays are coming in particularly hot, so you can strap in for a wild couple of months of entertaining, socializing and shopping.
If you think that calendar “creep” is getting worse, you aren’t imagining it. “‘Summerween’ became a July phenom, pumpkin spice lattés launched at Starbucks in August, and Hallmark kicked off its Christmas movie hype in September,” says the advertising blog Muse by Clios.
With the economy on shaky ground and inflation on the rise, advertisers are focusing on value. You may have less money, time and energy to spread around during the season, not to mention fewer days to shop after a late Thanksgiving. How will you handle the season without succumbing to stress?
First, manage expectations of yourself, says UC Davis Health. Don’t overschedule. Calendar events and list your responsibilities. Simplify travel plans to reduce the time spent in cars and airports. Take a break when you fell stressed from #shopping, #cooking and #cleaning.
To stay within budget, manage your gift-giving. You don’t have to spend money you don’t have or give every single person you know a gift. You may be able to make some of the gifts you give or #thrift a few items at a discount. Crafting or baking homemade goods might even become a holiday tradition!
Make a list and check it twice, says the American Bankers Association. Note the people for whom you plan to buy, what your price range is and a few ideas for gifts. Look for bargains on the targeted gifts and (try to) resist impulse buying onscreen and in stores.
The holidays are also a season for giving to charity. About 1 million #veterans nationwide rely on SNAP benefits, which were recently interrupted; you can #donate to the local food bank to help solve some of that food insecurity at least temporarily.
You can also schedule a #donation #pickup at ClothingDonations.org to benefit #veterans at any time of year. Your lightly used #clothing and #household goods will be resold to fund programs that target food and housing insecurity, veteran health care, and more.
We’re in the thick of the holiday season already, but don’t stress. Get #organized — sort out what you need to do and tackle those essential tasks one by one. Then, kick back and enjoy!
Don’t Become a Fireworks Statistic
Each year in the U.S., about 7 people die from injuries related to fireworks, and almost 10,000 get treated in emergency rooms. “Of those treated, 42% suffer burns, 19% suffer eye injuries and 22% suffer injuries to their head, face and ears. “If you do choose to use fireworks, always read and follow warning labels, wear safety glasses, never light with people nearby, avoid looking down canisters, never let children play with fireworks and never point at other people,’’ says UCHealth’s Dr. Nathan Hamburger. “If you are injured, immediately seek help from the emergency department.” Better still, enjoy a professional display from a safe distance. #FireworksSafety