December 1st marks the beginning of the Christmas season in our house and this year, I have a new dental office to decorate – FUN!  Since I like to mix things up a bit every year, I’ve decided to take the tree that is normally at the house and put it up in the new office.  (I don’t have a real tree because I’m allergic to pine.  Please don’t email me.)

Over the years I’ve learned a few tricks to keep the decorating process tidy, and this year my overly anal-retentive tendencies are paying off!  Here are a few tips I want to share with you today.

1. First things first – take inventory.  It’s best if you do this at the end of the season, but if you didn’t make a list of all your holiday decorations last year, do it now.  I like to use what I have first, then buy only what I need.  It seems to make even more sense this year.
2. Take time to think about existing themes.  I have a Thomas Kinkade print of a winter scene that has blue matting.  It’s gorgeous!  I’ve always wanted to do the entire house in blue, white, and purple (to match the dining room).   However, I always end up with red on the tree just because I have so many red ornaments.  This year, I’m moving the red to the new office, and will get to try the blue, white, and purple I’ve been dreaming of.  (I’ll post pictures in a few days.)
3. Use an automated card-sending service to mail holiday cheer to those friends and family members you don’t get to spend as much time with as you’d like.  I know that a lot of people have stopped sending cards, but even more a reason to do so – it is so appreciated!  It’s not so much that the card itself matters, but knowing that you remembered them means a lot.  FYI–USPS has suggested that holiday cards be sent BEFORE December 15, 2008, in order for them to arrive in your recipients’ mailboxes by December 25.
4. Relax, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy the decorating process.  It takes me a full 8 hours just to put up my Christmas tree.  This year, I plan to spend a minimum of 5 days on the office and house combined, possibly more.  But it will be worth it.  There’s nothing better than a warmly lit, sparkling house on a cold night.  (And it’s sleeting here as I write this – I’ve got my work cut out for me!)
5. Show off (and enjoy) your hard work by inviting friends over.  I don’t do all of this for myself, although it would be fine if I did since I enjoy it so much.  There are many people who don’t have the time, energy, or wherewithal to decorate, so share your creativity and abundance with them.  Throw a cookie party, invite guests you haven’t seen in a while, or have the entire (extended) family over for a meal.  Just be sure that you take some time before the event to sit, relax, and take in the beauty.

Of course, there’s more to the season than just decorating and organizing, but that’s another post, and I’ve got to get back to work!

Until next time,
Live Joyfully!

Posted under Inspiration, Motivation