Escape the Chaos this Holiday Season!

Capture the magic of the holidays and eliminate stress with these holiday tips:

Make a master list. Starting with the highest priority first, schedule a few tasks to be completed each day. Plan early for holiday parties and travel and schedule these dates as soon as possible. A holiday notebook or planner that includes gift lists, holiday events, decoration and party ideas, gift wrapping, food ideas and an address list for holiday cards keeps all this information handy and in one place.

Change your gift giving perspective. Write a comprehensive list that includes everyone you want to get a gift for, ideas on what to get them and approximate costs. This step alone will save hours of wasted time wondering what to buy. Set a deadline for completion of holiday shopping and set aside time during the week to accomplish this. Consider "disposable" gifts like food, gift certificates, tickets to events or movies or magazine subscriptions.

Shop catalog or online. For relatives and friends who live far away, or just as a time saver, catalogs and Internet shopping will greatly simplify the process.

Wrap gifts as you buy them. Designate a specific area for wrapping and place all supplies there. As you bring gifts in, wrap right away and store.

Simplify holiday card exchange. Send e-cards online to friends with Internet access. Review your card list from last year and update your "database". Try sending cards only to people you won't see during the holidays to cut your list. Get stamps at machines or at the grocery store and avoid the post office lines.

Simplify decorating. Choose a few dramatic decorations to showcase your home during the holidays. Invite friends over to help decorate the tree. Get the family to help put up the lights.

Keep entertaining easy. A catered party will greatly reduce the time involved in food preparation and shopping. Or have guests contribute a dish. Order groceries online - many stores deliver for a minimum charge.
 
10 Minute Clutter Control with Feng Shui

I love the idea of Feng Shui - the ancient Chinese art of placement for optimum flow of positive energy (called chi). These fun tips are from Skye Alexander’s book, 10 Minute Clutter Control: Easy Feng Shui Tips for Getting Organized. Transform your environment - and your life (it does work - I'm a believer!) and eliminate clutter in no time!

• Use the one-a-day clutter clearing method. If clearing out clutter seems like an overwhelming task, take one step at a time. Just get rid of one thing you don't need each day - donate it, recycle it, or throw it away.
   
• Clutter on the dining room table can produce tension or problems between family members. Don't let the table become a clutter catchall.
   
• Don't store items under the bed. This can block the flow of chi and disrupt sleep. If you must utilize the space under the bed for storage, be sure to organize items neatly and as few as possible.

 
• Organize magazines and newspapers. Get rid of outdated periodicals. Holding on to old news can block new ideas from emerging. Recycle or donate for others to read.
   
• Clear kitchen countertops of clutter. In Feng Shui, the kitchen is associated with prosperity. By keeping countertops neat and uncluttered, you reduce money related stress and confusion. From a practical point of view, clutter free countertops make work more efficient.