Christmas decorations
Christmas decoration is like everything else in the house. It's important to set yourself a limit and less is often more. For me, for example, the limit is two 2 banana boxes. That means when those two boxes are full, something old has to move on. If you didn't pull out a decorative item last year, chances are you won't want to this year either. Right? In that case, now would be the perfect time to declutter and let go. Take the stuff to a second-hand shop or ask your neighbours, friends or family... honestly, I recommend the second-hand shop! Otherwise, the things will lie around for weeks or won't be collected and will end up in the basement again as a stopgap solution. I've already experienced this many times 😉 !!!!
Basically, I think it's nice when various zones in the flat are decorated for Christmas. The entrance area, the dining table and the Christmas tree are the typical areas. Ideally, you decide on a certain style and colour combination so that everything is nicely assorted.
Gifts
Well... I repeat myself, but again, less is more! J
Gifts for children:
Try to prevent your children from circling everything possible in the Christmas catalogues of FKW and Co. and fixating on the fact that the Christ Child will fulfil every wish. I made that mistake for years! The remote-controlled car, the Carrera track, the robot, the huge Töggeli box (yes, I have two boys)... everything was no longer interesting after a very short time. It's probably true that anticipation is the best joy! It's better to give a gift voucher or an experience. Of course, a few packages belong under the Christmas tree, but don't overdo it!
As a relative (aunt, grandma etc), I don't necessarily recommend giving clothes. As a tidiness coach, I can say with 100% certainty that most children have far too many. In principle, we parents have to "manage" all the children's "inventory", especially when the children are still small, and we simply don't have the time!
Gifts for adults:
Most of the time, we adults buy what we need during the year. We don't wait for the Christ Child or Father Christmas when we need a new TV or something similar... i.e. in principle we don't need anything.
Here are a few gift ideas that everyone will be happy about... at least I hope so:
- Voucher for a restaurant, coffee, shop or wellness experience
- Gift basket with beauty products, food, wine etc.
- Voucher for an experience or excursion
- Babysitting voucher
Cleaning and tidying up
Unfortunately, this year 2020 is a little different! But if you're having guests over for Christmas, I'd urge you to get started on some tidying and cleaning projects now. The hotspots for such family celebrations are the entrance area or hallway and the kitchen.
Kitchen: each week, pick one area of the kitchen to clean thoroughly. The oven, microwave, fridge, dishwasher, etc. are all areas that are easily forgotten in everyday life. Don't do it all in one day. That is far too much work. Take on a sub-project each week so that you have less to do at Christmas.
Entrance area: Go through all the jackets, bags, hats, umbrellas, etc. What you don't need in the coming months can be stored elsewhere. Please dispose of anything that no longer fits or is broken. Create a clear order so that everyone knows what goes where. You can bring more order to this area with a shoe rack, baskets or hooks on the wall. If you have a wardrobe, think of a few empty hangers for visitors.
I wish you all a merry Christmas season despite hard times!
Article from 17.11.2020
