Christmas is over, I find that this is the perfect time to add a little “ Merry” to my New Year.   Here are a few of my favorite things to do right after Christmas-

1. De- clutter …..  I find that even cleaning out one drawer brings on the” Merry” attitude. Do it in small chunks. Set aside just 15 minutes to de-clutter just one shelf, and when that shelf or that 15 minutes is up, celebrate your victory. Then tackle another shelf for 15 minutes the next day. Conquering an entire closet or room can be overwhelming, and you might put it off forever. If that’s the case, just do it in baby steps.
2. Paint-  I love to paint right after Christmas….usually the room is somewhat bare after removing the Christmas Tree….perfect time to paint.  Even if its just to paint one wall, one shelf, one box
3. Pick one piece of furniture to move to a new area-
4. re-think how you use a room. Let your children switch bedrooms….or turn the office into a yoga room. =)
5. Create a space just for you.   It can be as simple as a chair in a corner with a good book….or a great view. Then set a goal to sit in that chair at least 10 minutes a day.
6. Plan for guests at least once a month.  When we get ready for guests, we take a closer look at our home, taking into account all the little details that often get lost in our busy lives.  {This is a great way to keep your home looking their best.}

When you have finished your task-

• Celebrate ! This is actually a general rule in life: always celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Even if you just de-cluttered one drawer, paint one wall… that’s great. Treat yourself to something delicious. Open that drawer,  (or closet, or whatever), take a seat in your special chair….  admire its simplicity. Breathe deeply and know that you have done a good thing.

Enjoy the day and Have a Merry New Year.