Maximum Gratitude, Minimal Stuff

Have you heard of the "Four Gift Rule" for the holidays? Something they want, Something they need, Something to wear, And something to read. This rule provides great structure and places a limit on the mountain of holiday gifts, while still allowing for plenty of delight on Christmas morning. Over the years I found that I could stick with suggestion #1 and then give my kids experiences instead of more things... except for books.  My parents always gave me books, I always gave books, and I do to this day.  In Iceland, most people receive a book as a gift on Christmas Eve.  Then the whole family tucks into bed to read their books before sleeping. Celebrate this month with some of the many, many holiday books out there.  Reading aloud in front of the fireplace (or with several lit candles * for cozy ambience) is one holiday tradition I love.  It's not too late to join in with some of my favorite selections.  Visit your library, purchase e-books, or order up a ...

Throughout history, families and cultures have taken part in shared celebrations.  Some are religious, some are seasonal, some are all about life passages and transitions. Celebrations join us together.  They create bonds and shared memories.  For families, celebrations create a family "lore."  The things you do together, the way you behave together, your special names for each other, inside jokes, favorite movie quotes, the shorthand you use with each other – all of these are bonding experiences.  They're what make your family your family, not like anyone else's.  The way your family chooses to celebrate birthdays, losing a tooth, good report cards, and all the holidays year-round becomes part of who you are.  That doesn't mean things can never change, but some aspects will become "traditional," expected, and anticipated. How to simplify celebrations while making them memorable Remember, this is all about the traditions, the "family lore."  I...

The international interest in the Danish lifestyle hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah") has been co-opted by retailers who want to sell to us.  Of course, we do need items to make life more comfortable, such as beds, tables, chairs, clothing, and food.  I happen to think we also need books, flowers, and candles.  No one – not even a minimalist like me – can stop consuming while they're alive. But what we can control is how much we buy that's unnecessary, and how much we waste.  And since hygge is an experience you can create, not a thing you can buy, we don't really need to purchase anything to have a more hyggeligt life.  A sunrise, a crisp and juicy apple, birdsong, the scent of rain, or a long, strong hug can provide that. 13 great hygge gifts So how do you give the gift of hygge?  What can you offer a loved one that will truly add to their stock of  comfort, joy, and life satisfaction ?  Here are some ideas, large and small, that shouldn't add to yo...

The holidays are just around the corner, and as you shop for and cook your Thanksgiving feast and prepare to put up Christmas or Hanukkah decorations, you'll enjoy it all even more if you do a quick clear-out while you have the chance. Not only can you make room for the Christmas tree, but you can help the whole family feel less overwhelmed by holiday bustle, and give yourself more space to savor what the season has to offer.  You'll feel better prepared for holiday guests, and more ready for a fun and relaxed celebration. I know you're extra-busy, so this is not an intense purge.  It's a quick, refreshing chance to set the stage, with the added benefit of beginning the New Year with less clutter and more freedom. So set aside 15-30 minutes for each step in the process, and let your success in one area carry you to the next with renewed energy! The quick clear-out 1.  Start in the kitchen. Many holiday traditions involve food.  Crowded counters and crammed, hard-to-a...

All of us want home maintenance to be easy and fuss-free.  Even though my husband Jon has always helped with housework, for many years I needed to keep our belongings at a level that I could handle on my own, not at a level that it took the whole family an entire weekend to manage.  Even though I worked part-time, home schooled my kids, volunteered at our church, and auditioned, practiced, and performed as a professional singer, I still wanted a clean, attractive, clutter-free home. Life happens and plans go wrong, projects take longer than you anticipate, and kids need all the reminders and follow-up if you expect them to clean up after themselves.  So if we owned only what I could personally stay on top of, it became super easy to deal with when everyone worked together.  It saved time, reduced arguments, lowered stress, and made home life much more peaceful. Meals, laundry, paperwork... and toys, toys, toys I found that streamlining grocery shopping and meal prep ...