Keep, Donate, Discard

Decluttering holiday decor, intentional gift giving and travel packing tips! 

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN ISSAQUAH HIGHLANDS CONNECTIONS NEWS, DECEMBER 2018 ISSUE

​https://issuu.com/ihconnections/docs/december-2018-connections-issaquah-/19

Happy Holidays! This season is one of my favorites. The crisp, fresh air, the joy on people’s faces, and all of the decorations! The different light displays throughout the neighborhood, the tree and Santa’s house in Grand Ridge plaza, and of course the giant tree at Village Green! The Issaquah Highlands transforms into it’s own little winter wonderland every year. And many of us decorate our own homes to get into the holiday spirit as well.

While the end result is beautiful and festive, the process can sometimes be a little stressful. Ceramic and glass trees and candy canes, countless light strands and boxes of ornaments, and the different wreaths that grace our front doors. Ten months out of the year, our garages and closets hold onto these seasonal needs. Most of the time, January finds us a bit overwhelmed and they get shoved back in the boxes and bins and forgotten about. Until the next year when you open them up and things are missing, tangled, broken, or not even in working order.

This year when you decorate, I want you to take a few extra minutes to go through your items with a different mindset. Make three piles - Keep, Donate and Discard. Keep the items that bring you joy - the things that elicit a smile and possibly even a memory. Donate the items that you have outgrown or don’t fit with your decor. And discard anything that is broken, not working, or you think has seen better days. If it’s a keepsake beyond repair, take a photo and save that instead. Only keep things that you will use and that truly bring you happiness. This also helps you regain storage space that is at a premium in the Highlands.

​Now onto gift giving! What a wonderful time of the year! It’s one way that we show our love, appreciation and gratitude to those around us. Instead of writing long lists that end up costly and stress inducing, this year let’s focus on thoughtful items and experiences. Not only does that leave our homes less cluttered, but it also builds connection. When deciding what to give your loved ones, ask yourself what you want them to feel when they open it. Be intentional with your gift giving this year. While they may end up less in number, you will find that the benefit to both the giver and receiver is much more.

And if you find yourself traveling for the holidays, here are some packing tips that can help!

• Choose a neutral palette, and make sure all of your clothing can mix and match

 

• Only bring travel sized toiletries, and pack them in a ziploc bag to ensure they don’t leak 

 

• Instead of packing your heavy or large items, wear them on the plane! Wear that sweater and take it off after you are seated, rather than taking up valuable space in your carry on

 

• Roll your clothing. When you do this, it takes up less space and helps with wrinkles too!

 

• Use a small zippered bag within your carry on to access flight essentials easily

 

• And use a packing checklist. It keeps you organized and ensures you won’t forget anything​

Travel safe, enjoy your family and friends, and don’t forget to take a breath and take it all in. These moments are to be savored. I hope to see you around the neighborhood as we celebrate the season and the wonderful community we live in! Happy Holidays everyone!

~Johnna