How's this for a game changer? Pick one weekend this December and make it yours! Take the weekend off. No cooking, no dishes, no trips to the store. Let everyone know beforehand so they can pick up the slack (or put up with the mess, whichever they choose). Enjoy the season and recharge for Monday. You'll improve your attitude and make a jumpstart on your Christmas attitude!
We love Santa's gifts. After Christmas, where do we put them? Today's the time to begin making room. Garage sale or donation; clean out the old to make room for the new. Last year's coat? Off to Goodwill! Scratched up toys? In the "bye-bye box." Those old books and movies? Your library or resale shop might take them. The day after Christmas? You'll have room for everything!
A fountain of water is what you don't want flowing from your outside spigots next spring. Now's the time to double check your outside hoses. Don't forget to drain them before you store them for the winter. Water left in the hoses can weaken or crack them from the inside out!
Here's a December kindness goal that won't cost you anything. Listen to someone's problems without judging them or offering advice. (It's harder than it seems!) Say, "I hear what you're saying," or, "I'm listening," or, "What happened then?" You can even ask, "What do you intend to do?" or, "What do you think will happen now?" Sometimes people just need to be heard, and that's all they want from you. Kindness shared and it didn't cost you a cent!
It's easy to make a schedule. It's harder to let it flex. Your December will run smoother if you have backup plans in place just in case. The caterer doesn't come through? Weiners on the grill! The cat gets into the presents under the tree? Have an early unwrapping party! Make it fun, and everyone else will think you planned it that way! Smiles will shine everywhere!