I like to think of the end of November and start of December as a calm time.  These days are filled with anticipation and joy for the coming season.  They’re also the least busy.  There are no parties, holiday programs, or other commitments in comparison to what comes.  Most of our busy-ness comes from our own wishes.  (Like decorating a tree!  Yippee!)

(A Christmas tree stand coming together in Germany 2009)

Take some time to look at some of the clutter that has slipped into your home, and see if you can tackle some of it.  I know we have a non-functioning hot pot that’s been sitting in the kitchen for a couple of months.  Now feels like a good time to stop walking by that hot pot and do something.  (I mean something besides dusting off the top of it!)

Ask yourself these questions about some of the things in your home:

1. Is it broken?  What steps do you need to fix it? – If it needs to be taken to a shop to be repaired, make a plan to do that.  Get out the glue and tools you need.  Set a time one evening or over the weekend to fix it.  Or get rid of it.
2. What am I keeping it for?  Do I have nice stuff that I never want to use? – Maybe stationery, favorite china, or body product?  Make a habit of using it just a little.  Yes you run the risk of breaking a dish.  You might run out of that item.  But if you can’t enjoy these things now, when can you?
3. Do I actually like this? –  Just because someone gives you something or you inherited something, it doesn’t mean you have to use it and love it.  And just because you have something or just because you used to love something but don’t any more, it doesn’t mean you need to keep it now.
4. Can I make this pile smaller? –  Hello huge piles of paperwork, closets, and junk drawers.  Let’s have a little chat.

See how many things you can part with or start using with just these four questions.  While writing to you, I’ve already thought of about 10 things that fit into these categories at our house.  I’m rolling up my sleeves.

The rule was when I was a kid:  Santa doesn’t come unless your bedroom is clean.  Do you suppose that’s still the case… but now for our entire homes?  Hmmm!

How about you?  Anything you need to go and tackle?  Any non-functioning hot pots-like-items at your house?