Local Voices
Read Connie’s earlier installments: Chapter 1: Lessons from a former hoarder, Chapter 2: Time to start, Chapter 3: Plateau? Fight It!, Chapter 4: Kitchen Klues, Chapter 5: Nudist Colony?, Chapter 6: Rest? What rest?, Chapter 7: How to enjoy the holidays, Chapter 8: Keep up with the clutter
Connie Simon
I just LOVE all the beautiful lights and decorations that come with this busy season. It warms my heart and expands my waistline. I’ve made a solid conscious decision to “keep it together” this year. I usually start off crazy, end crazier, and with all the mayhem in between. But not this year! I’ve taken control of MY attitude and am really enjoying each and every day. How, you ask? It really is a mind-over-matter thing and I’ve made a DECISION to not get overwhelmed. If my mind is cluttered, my life will be, too.
Take the time to realize how beautiful this season can be and ENJOY it! I totally get the fact that there’s not enough time in the day and money in the month BUT I STOPPED AND WAS STILL. The sun will come up tomorrow if I don’t put up every single decoration, make that special dessert, or skip a party. Whether you’re a Grumpy Grinch or a Happy Holly, Christmas is coming! It’s all in what you make it. I CHOSE. I Chose JOY!
I love to wrap my pictures to look like presents on the wall and light some candles to fill the air with a sweet calming fragrance. Whatever your “to-do” list may entail, TAKE THE TIME to make a difference. I love to hand-write a Christmas card, stop at the local bakery for a special treat, get out the board games, and puzzles, put the photo albums on the coffee table and my personal favorite — get the kids together to make a fresh batch of cookies! I know it’s been a long time, and it can be messy, but that’s part of the fun! I’m bringing back my old traditions and it’s really renewed my bonds and made even more happy memories!
How did this happen? I looked at my already filled calendar, grabbed my Christmas folder with all my recipes and shopping list and put it all on paper. Wow, did my mind settle down because there it was — staring back at me like Clark’s Christmas tree — everything I needed to do and buy for the month. I just put it in ‘week’ order, according to all the events and BOOM, I’m ready to hop in the sleigh! Of course there are always the last minute stragglers that pop up, but I like to have a couple “spares” just so I don’t have to run out at the last minute. As always, I keep the couch clear and of course, the kitchen and bathroom. I buy an extra ditty gift, chips and dip, and have a special novelty drink on hand. I like to get a pink ginger ale and have cherries for that special holiday touch. It’s just a little “something” to have, or bring, so I’m relaxed & prepared.
Keeping the true meaning of Christmas has been a big challenge for me because I made it Not Fun. STREAMLINE. I’m so grateful to have come to myself to enjoy my family and friends. I’m keeping it real, and now, my over the top “Everything” has been traded in for simple pleasures and PEACE. So while you’re out checking off your naughty and nice list, don’t forget to make smiling your favorite ☺ and enjoy all the exterior illumination!
It is THE GIFT that was given and it’s finally what I made It.
Connie Simon
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