DO YOU NEED MORE STUFF OR MORE TIME?
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. A day when, traditionally, we buy the ones we love something to show them how much we care about them. And in return the special people in our lives give us stuff. Some of us buy cards, gifts and toys, stuffed animals and candy. And we might receive flowers, chocolates and jewelry. And those with little children are bound to get a handcrafted valentine. And although the idea is nice, when you are trying to reclaim your space, there are some inherent problems with this holiday: If you have not found the perfect gift to give then you may rush to just pick something. And you have to find the time to go to the store, so you’ll be adding at least one more thing to your to do list. Plus some of the gifts can tax your budget. Plus if the person giving you a gift has not gotten one yet, they may be feeling a little stressed. Or under a lot of pressure to outdo last year's gift or beat the person on the jewelry commercial. And once you get the gifts then you have even more stuff that needs a home. Taking up even more space in your home. And you have to find the time to deal with it. Not to mention if you are trying to avoid sweets, a huge box of chocolates can be a downfall. Then for those of you that are sentimental, you may feel compelled to hold onto the greeting cards you receive, even if the giver simply signed his/her name. You may still get that attachment. BUT all this does not mean that we have to boycott the holiday or find less enjoyment. In fact I suggest that by changing a few of your traditions you can enjoy the holiday more than ever! Ready? Ask yourself; do you really need another thing? Or would you rather have more time and less stuff? So: 1. If you have not bought something for that special someone yet, or even if you did give yourself permission to return it.
2. If they have not bought something or even if they have give them permission to return it.
3. Instead give each other the gift of time, something we can all use a little more of. Here are some ideas: Complete a chore for the other person, pick one you know they dislike and surprise them.
Make a clutter clearing date, where each of you works on an area for an hour and then do something fun to celebrate. Write an IOU for a gift, then once the space where you want to use or display the gift is clear you can buy it. It will be the inceptive to get the space cleared, plus you won’t have to move it around while you work. Or think of how else you could give that special someone more time, maybe you could give them a night off, or go grocery shopping or set up online shopping for them, get creative! But if you absolutely need to give a gift consider a consumable one: a spa appointment, a dinner out, a weeks worth of meals prepared by a personal chef, a gift certificate for a service, tickets to a play or a movie, or some other item that can be used up. Imagine, you can make this the happiest holiday, less pressure, less stress, less stuff and more time, the most precious gift of all! Lastly, for those oversized, glitter plastered, heart covered Valentine’s from little children, take an unused pizza box (one per child), label it with his/her name and start collecting the treasures there (guide: save 2 art pieces per month.) Wishing you a very Happy Valentine's Day!
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