This Christmas, my family and I started a new tradition we call The 12 Days of Christmas. Each day for twelve days starting December 26, we give a gift to someone we appreciate to let them know that they make a difference in our lives.

I believe appreciation is one of the best gifts you can give someone. Most people are surprised or even shocked to be recognized for their efforts or to know that they are valued and treasured.  On the other hand, It feels good to tell people that you value them and that they are important to you and this gives you the opportunity to do it.

This tradition is also a way that I can teach my children about gratitude and that Christmas is not just about receiving presents. They get to see how the unexpected act of kindness, acknowledgement and appreciation touches people’s hearts.

One woman who who works at the YMCA was deeply touched by our gift of appreciation.   She told me that no one ever says thank you or tells her how much they appreciate her.  I could see that our gratefulness lifted her spirits and made her feel that all her hard work is worthwhile because it does make a difference to someone.

The gift this year from our hearts and our hands- my homemade rustic rye bread.  My boys and I made it with love and their own little hands.

I believe we are here on this earth to connect with people, to make a difference in each other’s lives.  I believe in every relationship, expressing your love and appreciation only creates more love and appreciation.  This is one way to reach out and to create more love in the world.  So let someone know that you appreciate them and you will be making the world a better place.

(Even if you did not get the gift of appreciation from me, just know that I still truly do appreciate you.)

Thank you for reading my blog; with Gratitude and Appreciation,

Your Sensible Girlfriend

I’ll admit it, I am a recovering hoarder. I inherited my pack-rat nature from both my parents who saw value in every piece of scrap they came across. I learned to be a “maybe we will need this someday” kind of person, a “be prepared for anything” kind of person, so learning how to let go of things has not been easy.

Kitchen Area- "After"

Cluttered Refrigerator & Counter Tops- "Before"

That all changed after reading a book called Simplicity Parenting. When I learned that my children would be better behaved just by de-cluttering, I was willing to try it. The theory is that clutter adds to overstimulation which when combined with other factors (being tired, hungry, emotionally out of sorts, etc.) a child is more likely to misbehave.

I had a chance to test this theory. We were going on vacation, so in order to sublet our home, we removed all child-related things and personal items (eliminating a lot of clutter). When we returned, we kept out the few toys my boys had from their suitcases. I also added some rocks and drift wood from the beach to give them something to build with. To my amazement, my children were calmer, more peaceful and happier! There were no longer piles of toys to scatter and step over. Their play became more creative out of sheer necessity. To my surprise, they didn’t complain about having fewer toys. They were actually happier with less! Imagine that! Another huge benefit was that my husband was noticeably happier with less clutter and living with happier kids.

Here’s the science behind why this works. Our bodies produce a stress hormone called cortisol when we are overstimulated. Clutter reads like chaos/stress to our senses. So when the clutter is removed, our brain and bodies can relax. When surrounded by clutter (or noise or anything continually irritating) there is a constant flow of cortisol in our system. This is like putting your children in PMS mode, so the slightest thing will more easily set them off.

Playroom "After"

Another “wow” that I got from Simplicity Parenting was the idea that space is a precious commodity. Empty space is often worth more than the item taking up that space. Weigh the value of being calmer and happier against the usefulness of that item. Does that change anything for you? It was a huge paradigm shift for me!

Desk Area "De-Cluttered"

Where to start?
• Start small. Choose one area such as your children’s toys, your bathroom counter or your desk.

• Eliminate the obvious, eliminate another time, and then a third time with the idea of space as a commodity and the prospect of happier children.

• Fellow hoarders: It is okay to put things that you use often hidden away in a cupboard.  You don’t need to see it to know that it is there, especially if you use it every day.  If you need a reminder, you can make a “what is in this cupboard” list taped inside your cupboard if you must.

• Empty space is good.  Empty space actually calms our visual senses.

• Try to make surfaces of tables and counters as bare as you can.

• Donate what you have eliminated to a charity or gift the items to friends who would appreciate it.

Here are some helpful visuals:

Organize Your Clutter- My Children's "Art Cupboard"

(Below is a homemade curtain stuck on with “stick-on” velcro)

Hide Clutter Behind A Curtain!

No Cupboard Space? Appliances Can Be Hidden Under A Tablecloth!

Hidden Appliances- "After"

"Good Stuff" Going To Donation Center

It’s a New Year’s resolution worth following through on. My family is definitely more peaceful for it.

Wishing You A Peaceful, Joyful New Year!

Your Sensible Girlfriend