Thursday Thirteen....Uncluttered Christmas

(Graphic from Goofy Girl!)
13 Ideas to Unclutter Christmas

1. Decide what traditions you really like and are important to your family and concentrate on those. I've discovered I don't have to bake 27 batches of cookies for my family to know that I love them.
2. Set a limit on your spending and keep it . Draw names among family members or better yet have everyone find the best item at the dollar store or bring an item they have no use for that someone may actually need or want and have a chinese auction. It's lots of fun and you can find some really unique items.
3. Use your words instead of your pocketbook. Express you love and friendship to those around you. Write them a personal note. Words can heal and bring more joy than toys or gifts.
4. Write a soldier expressing your admiration and respect for their sacrifice on your behalf. You don't have to know them personally to know that they are missing their families and are scared and lonely in a strange and hositle enviornment.
5. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
6. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her. You don't even have to tell them if you don't want to....let them off the hook. It's actually a present you will give yourself.
7. Buy some food & a few gifts & give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army and bless someone who you most likely will never know you.
   
8. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. I t will be nice hearing from you again.
9. Instead of spending lots of money on toys, spend time with your child. Bake cookies together, read a book, have tickle time, drive around and look at the lights. Time is a precious gift and the opportunity slips by quickly.
10. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
11. Behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in His presence. Let people know by your actions that you honor Christ.
12. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile it could make the difference.
13. If you want to celebrate Christ birth just, GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
    
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