December is here and Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanza are right around the corner. I’d like to give you a few ideas to work on early in the month so that at the end of the month you aren’t overwhelmed. I know I’ve said these things to you every December, but I can’t improve on this timely subject.

First of all, you know that when all the new gifts, trimmings, baked goods, etc. arrive at your house, you have to know where to store these things. If your house is like mine, most of my closets and cupboards are full and an influx of new items means I have to make room.

When everything we see on TV and in the newspaper ads flaunts exciting gift items, do you think about the people who can’t afford to go out and buy all of these wonderful things for their families? I think about it and I sort of preach about it to anyone who will listen.

How about getting together with your children on a Saturday morning early in December and do a clean out (or evaluation) of their possessions. There are always toys and books that just didn’t go over too well in your house and clothes that were not used because of personal preference or wrong size for the season. Consider teaching your children the beautiful act of charity and caring for others by weeding through their things and then donating them to a meaningful place for distribution to the needy. I know of many families who make this an annual thing. The message you pass on to your children is priceless and the good it does for the children who have so little is heart warming.

OK, now you have done this wonderful lesson with your children and everyone’s feeling really good about themselves. What about your possessions? Think of the women in shelters who have left their homes to go to a safe place. Think about all of the working clothes and household goods needed to start over. Could you use less? Do you have items in your closet which just never worked for you, either because they didn’t fit or weren’t exactly what you liked? What about shoes, boots, purses, coats, jackets and scarves and the clothes you don’t wear any longer or can’t fit into? Wouldn’t these things be great for someone in need on Christmas morning?

If you think the things you have to give away would have value at a resale shop, by all means, take them early in December. Many gifts are purchased in resale shops and everyone benefits. Maybe your children could be the recipients of any proceeds from a resale shop, if only they will let go of their excess. It’s a good message and good for them as they can buy with their own money. See how everyone wins?

I’m going to keep this article really short this month so you’ll have more time to go through your things. Remember, you are making room for the new and the universe will follow by providing to you. Don’t forget to bless the empty spaces.

Have a wonderful holiday and a happy and healthy new year.

Have an area of your life you would like to get organized? Feel free to email your questions and/or subjects. Nancy Kalef is the retired owner of Let’s Get Organized! and formerly went to client’s homes to organize their closets, cupboards and paperwork. She can be reached at NancyKalef@comcast.net