10 Things to Eliminate Before the Holidays

November can be such a crazy time, with Thanksgiving and the holiday planning both around the corner. Taking time at the beginning of the month to prepare for the craziness can make things much easier when the crazy starts happening. So with your time being tight, let’s dive into 10 things you are free to eliminate before the holidays arrive...

1. Toys - Most kids have far too many toys. They’re overwhelmed by them as much as we are, if not more. And the holiday gifts only add to that chaos. Take time now to slim down the toy collection. Get the kids involved in the decision making process so they start developing that organizing skill. It’s a gift they will have for life.
2. Clothes - Eliminating the extra clothes you have frees up room in your closet for new holiday gifts. Additionally, donating those clothes gives others with less means a chance to have nice clothes for the holidays. 
   
3. Coats - There’s probably a coat drive happening near you right now. Pick out a couple of coats that you don’t wear anymore and donate them to someone who will love the warmth they bring. And now you will have room in the coat closet for your guests' coats!
   
4. Old wrapping paper/crumbled gift bags - Look through your supply before the holiday craziness and get rid of those crumpled up bags that have been re-used for the last 5 years. Also, eliminate the ones that you haven’t used at all for 5 years. The flattened bows, random pieces of ribbon and almost-empty rolls of paper can go as well. 
   
5. Expired food - Make room for the turkey or the turkey leftovers by clearing out your fridge. Doing the same in the pantry will open up room for the stuffing package and cans of cranberry sauce (there's always one person who enjoys the canned version).
   
6. Serving dishes - They take up a lot of space and if you don’t use them often, that space can be used for something else. Before Thanksgiving is a great time to look through your supply and get rid of pieces that you rarely or never use. 
   
7. Last minute shopping - 2-day shipping can sometimes take 11 days, like actually 11 days. Thank you FedEx for stressing me out in 2012! Order with plenty of time for the shipments to arrive. Plan ahead so you’re not at the mall on Christmas Eve, unless you like that sort of adrenaline rush. 
   
8. Guilt - There is so much consumerism built into our holidays, we all know it. Eliminate the guilt you feel about having to get that perfect gift or to create those amazing holiday memories. People remember the way you make them feel more than what you buy for them.
   
9. Over-committing - You are allowed to say ‘no’ to invitations. Enjoy the holidays and get rid of overcommitting and spend the time with those you truly want to be around.
   
10. Perfectionism - Let. It. Go. Every day of the year, but especially now. There’s enough to do without thinking you need to do it all perfectly. There’s an amazing freeing feeling that comes with letting go of perfectionism. Let that be your gift to yourself this holiday.