December 2025 - Christmas Crunch Time
- Judy Granlee Gates
- Dec 5
- 3 min read
Newsletter Topic of the Month
Welcome December and the colorful, loud and joyful chaos it brings. Christmas is my most favorite holiday ever. It’s the time of years people seem nicer, warmer and a bit more friendly. But it can also add some stress, so let’s dive in to make your holidays a bit more manageable.
Decluttering and Organizing:
Decluttering: Year-End Round-Up – What Didn’t Serve You?
As the year winds down, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on what truly served you—both physically and emotionally. Walk through each space in your home with one question in mind: Did this item, habit, or system bring me joy, ease, or peace?
Let go of anything that caused frustration, added to your mental load, or no longer aligns with your current lifestyle.
Donate or recycle items you didn’t use in the last 12 months.
Gently release guilt around “someday” items—unfinished projects, aspirational clothes, or gifts you never really liked.
Extend the reflection beyond objects—consider relationships, routines, and obligations that may no longer serve your well-being.
Tip: Make this a journaling exercise. Reflect on what added light this year—and what dimmed it. Decluttering can be the closing ritual that opens space for a better new beginning.
Holiday Ease
Make this the year of experience gifts. Better yet, give the experience and you join in! Get my ridiculously long list of clutter free gift giving for literally everyone on your list below!
Consider some family sentimental items you have, is now the time to gift them to family member? Some of the best holiday gifts I have gotten are things that were sentimental and given to me!
Declutter Your Gift Wrap Stash: Pull out all wrapping paper, tissue, tags, ribbon, gift bags, and boxes. Recycle what’s torn or outdated, donate what you won’t use, and organize the rest by category. (Tip: Use a hanging gift wrap organizer or gift wrap holder can do wonders).
Set Up a Gifting Station: Even a small bin or drawer can streamline holiday prep. Keep scissors, tape, pens, and tags handy in one spot to save time and avoid chaos.
Gift Closet Cleanout: Have a stash of “someday” gifts or duplicate hostess items? Now’s the time to take inventory, re-gift intentionally, or donate what’s no longer relevant.
Reflect Before You Buy: Before you shop or wrap, consider what truly delights—not just what fills a space. Ask: Will this be used, loved, or appreciated long-term? Don’t contribute to another’s clutter if you can avoid it.
Make Room for Incoming Gifts: Encourage a "one in, one out" approach with kids' toys, kitchen gadgets, or winter gear. Create space now, so the joy of new gifts doesn’t turn into overwhelm.
Home Edits:
Holiday Decor: Choose a few signature pieces; garlands, twinkle lights, a statement wreath, that set a mood without overwhelming the space.
Edit First: Before decorating or wrapping gifts, take a moment to remove excess—think stacks of mail, seasonal items past their prime, or that one surface that always collects “stuff.”
Make Room for New: Whether it’s incoming presents, holiday cards, or extra groceries, carve out breathing room now so you’re not overwhelmed later.
Guest-Friendly Zones: Refresh your entry, guest bath, and kitchen counters so they feel festive and functional.
Pro tip: Keep one “holiday catch-all” bin near high-traffic zones. It makes cleanup easier without killing the mood.
Short Term Rentals:
Consider these easy, affordable, and delightful add-ons:
Festive mugs with a few packets of hot cocoa or peppermint tea.
Mini trees or fresh greenery in small vases—think bedside tables or the bathroom shelf.
Wrapped chocolates or candy canes placed on towels or pillows.
A handwritten holiday card welcoming your guests.
Local flair: Highlight any nearby holiday events or markets in your welcome book.
Even small gestures can make your guests feel like your space was made just for them, even during the busiest time of year.
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
Join in the conversation at Home Elevated on Facebook or Home_Elevated_WA on Instagram!
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