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Writer's pictureJudy Granlee Gates
2 days ago6 min read

December 2024 Newsletter

Hello Friends!

Well, like everyone else, I am starting the holidays early. And yes, my tree was up before Thanksgiving, not decorated, but up! I am starting early because I have worked really hard on what I think you will agree is the MOST comprehensive clutter free gift guide you have ever seen.

Also, I have put together a great holiday special! Three books, signed, ribbon wrapped, with a bookmark, shipped to you for 37.98, (plus tax) a $57.00 value. You also get the gift guide, AND you get a set of print at home Gift Certificates that you can fill in the experience or clutter free gift you are giving. Fits in a standard business letter envelope. This is while supplies last, and I will ship until 12/23, but of course cannot promise delivery in time for the holiday. Sign up for the email newsletter to get the promo code and free downloads!

Already a subscriber? Check your email to get the code in the December Newsletter!

 

Newsletter Topic of the Month

Holiday Gifting!

It’s been a real year (or 4) for most folks I know. Costs of things are crazy, everyone is busy, and few of us really want or need more stuff. Not only is it cost effective, but it saves time and the best part, it’s truly personal to the recipient and they might even get to see you more!

Keep in mind clutter free gifts can be physical…
✓Are they super sentimental or meaningful and you know someone would want them?
✓ Is it something that folks go through quickly? Wine or spirits, some personal products, food items, especially ones that freeze well or can be delivered monthly.
✓ Is it something they truly need? Go for it.

There is another fun way I love to gift, and that is….ADVENT CALENDARS. Now, you can make them or buy them. Making them can be super fun and here are some great ideas for putting one together. Most are 24 days, some are 12, but you go with the number that appeals to you. I love them because it gives the receivers something fun to look forward to each day!

Book Advent calendar….Last year I made one for my adorable, super smart, book loving niece, June, who was 2. I asked in my local buy nothing for books for 2 year olds. I got more than 24 right away. I sorted through them, and pulled out any that were not age appropriate. I wrapped each book individually and placed them all in a box that is like a large magazine holder…June will get to pick one at random every day and have a new book. Her mom loved the idea, and is fine with used books.

Booze Advent…I made one for my daughter Greer last year and it was very fun. 24 mini bottles of booze.I got mine at Total Wine and More, they have a large selection. I printed out the numbers 1 to 24 and used a circle punch to cut them, and double sided tape to stock them to the top of the bottle, then wrapped them in a square tissue with bakers twine. I used tissue so the bottles were a surprise but it is not required.


I also love the idea of an experience advent calendar or scavenger hunt one. For experiences, each day you would put a slip of paper in the box for a special experience. Can be little like extra cartoon time, a trip to the library, a tea party…. or something bigger like going to the movies or kiddie museum.

Scavenger hunts are fun too. Either each day leads to a small treat or candy, or each clue leads to the next day and there is a larger gift, or series of them, as you go.

Of course, there are loads already made. Check out Etsy for some really fun ones, Crystal or Rock calendars, jewelry, small things. Also popular are Tea, Wine, Beer, candy, chocolate, soups (yes, I said soups) and more. Amazon and World Market are great sources.

Get creative…these are super fun ways to give and get. I did this for all my nieces last year and now I have spoiled them and they want them every year! And I will oblige!

I cannot stress enough the gift of TIME and HELP.  Many of you know that my husband Joe, suffered a massive stroke and then 6 months later lost his right leg below the knee all in 2023.  It has been a very difficult 18 months for us and honestly, we are still adjusting.  I bring this up because it has shown me new ways that people may need help, that would be an incredibly thoughtful gift.  Help with tech, help with home projects or cleaning, help with holiday decorating.  Bigger help like grocery pick up, doctor appointments, cooking or providing meals.  As we all age, our bodies change.  Some have major issues like Joe, some have more minor issues that are still problematic.  Arthritis can keep you from being able to do any simple chores around the house, a back issue can prevent you from being able to lift more than 5 pounds.  This can happen to folks at ANY age, but especially as we reach our 50’s on.  I hope you take this into consideration when planning your gifts!  It is so appreciated to have someone lend a hand.  I know that I have struggled a lot in the last year and half, and often felt silly to ask for help.  Here is a perfect scenario I want to share.  When Joe.  had his stroke, he was using a wheelchair to come and go to appointments.  I park my car in the garage, but the garage was a bit of a mess and needed tidying so that I could easily get Joe in and out of the car.  I just shoved it all to the side.  People offered and asked if they could help, but honestly, I felt embarrassed to say that I needed help cleaning my garage.  I was sure people would judge me and think “her husband almost died, and she wants us to clean the garage?”  But the real reason wasn’t to have a clean garage, it was to make my life, and my husband’s, easier!  Yet my overwhelm and pride kept me from asking.    And I was so overwhelmed with running our building company, caring for Joe, and trying to keep it all under control, I couldn’t see how silly I was being!

Have a topic idea? Area of struggle? A fun tip? Send it in and I may make it the topic of the month. Email me at hello@judygranleegates.com


 

Product(s) of the Month:


Here are some fun “fill your own” advent calendars:



Other good gift ideas for folks fighting clutter can be found on many of my past blog/newsletter pages. Perhaps an amazon card, some bins, and one of my downloadable gift cards to help a friend or loved one declutter could be on your gift list?

 

News & Upcoming Events


Stay tuned, working on some fun stuff…. AUDIOBOOK launching in 2025!


 

Other Stuff


I am planning a Facebook live on my Declutter and Resize page. Join here if you are not already a member.

Do you have a group or event that would like to hear about decluttering, living smaller, or parting with sentimental items? Let me know, I love to speak to people about all things decluttering and resizing!


Are you in a book club? I would love to do a virtual book club over 4 weeks with you, just get in touch.

If you have read the book and want to leave a review Here are the links. This is the biggest compliment you can give an indie author! You can leave reviews at; Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads

And lastly, if you need a copy of my book, grab one here. And remember my holiday special offer, three books, signed, ribbon wrapped, with a bookmark, shipped to you for 37.98, (plus tax) a $57.00 value. You also get the gift guide, AND you get a set of print at home Gift Certificates that you can fill in the experience or clutter free gift you are giving. Fits in a standard business letter envelope. This is while supplies last, and I will ship until 12/23, but of course cannot promise delivery in time for the holiday.

 


Until next month, thanks for the support and keep it COZY!
xo
Judy



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