Holiday Traditions

Christmas, time when traditions come out to warm your spirit and remind you of Christmas past.  Is that really what is happening for you this holiday season?  Are you keeping up the traditions because you enjoy them and have made them your own or out of obligation and a sense of duty?  Have you grabbed onto your freedom to do whatever brings you joy and meaning during Christmas?  Keep your focus on Christ, the reason for the season, and then fill in the blanks after that.  If giving presents to others is a way that you show love and enjoy the holiday?  Then do it.  Making presents for others such as baking and crafting bring you joy?  Then do it.  Keeping it simple the only way to keep your sanity?  Then do it.  Don't be afraid to make your own traditions and do what is right for your own family and self.  1 Corinthians 14:33 talks about a God of peace not confusion - it is specifically talking about a church service but such advice can apply to every day life also.  Allow things in this season that promote peace and prompt order (1 Cor. 14:40).  At times that may seem like you need to get ride of your children but all things are a work in progress. :)
Slowly as my extended family has grown the gift giving has changed.  We now either draw names and only have one gift to give or this year we did a homemade gift exchange.  Both are very fun options and allow for minimal shopping with still the enjoyment of giving a gift and receiving something.  An Advent Calender has been fun to count down to Christmas day and build a manager scene.  Holiday books and Christmas decorations are around to promote the season as we try and keep the focus on Jesus coming down to save us.  Find what works for you and remember Christ this Christmas.
Merry Christmas and may the peace of the season find you this year.

Out of Sight - Out of Mind

I love bracelets and have been building a collection for many years.  The last two Mother's Days I have asked for a bracelet and any time I find one on sale, well I find it hard to resist purchasing.  Needless to say, I have quite a few wrist adornments and my recent quest has been finding the most ideal way to displaying/store them.  A friend looked on Pinterest and saw that many people used paper towel holders and slide the bracelets on them.  In going to a new home goods store in the area I found a paper towel holder that I liked and got it.  There were two display areas which was a feature that I found useful for the different size bracelets that I own.  (note picture)

So I have found that now with my bracelets out in the open instead of stashed away that I wear a bracelet almost every day.  What items of jewelry or clothing are you not displaying in a way that lends to effective wearing?  I think of my scarves that are kept in a box in the top of my closet and my earrings that are packed on top of each other in a jewelry box.  That can be my next organizing project along with my spice cabinet.  If such projects overwhelm you then I have a friend that is a professional organizer that is really fun to work with and has great ideas - check out her website Energy To Organize, linked below and happy organizing.
 http://www.energytoorganize.com/