Let the holiday "fun" begin...

with today's annual stampede to buy more stuff we don't need.

Now if engaging in Black Friday nonsense floats your boat who am I do stand in your way (which would be very dangerous.)

Following closely on today's madness is the annual tradition of hauling out a gazillion totes full of Christmas decorations.  This tradition is universally hated by husbands everywhere.

Many years ago I too had numerous storage boxes stacked in the tool shed and barn.  But something happened that made my life so much better.  I loaded up 90% of that stuff and sent it off to thrift stores.  My rule became "if it didn't fit in the trunk in my bedroom it had to go." Part of that was driven by acquiring a smaller Christmas tree.

That's right. Everything Christmas related, included the vintage nativity figures, tree ornaments, and window decor lives happily in one trunk.  Now I'm not trying to be all scrooge here and suggesting that you erect a bare branch as a Christmas tree, banish gifts, and skip the parties.  But taking some time to think about what's really important may bring some added peace to your life.

So do yourself a favor and when the storage boxes come out get rid of a whole bunch of that stuff.

Advent

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent - a time of preparation for the coming of Our Lord. The epistle for the extraordinary form of the Mass is Romans 13:11-14.

And that, knowing the season, that it is now the hour for us to rise from sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is passed And the day is at hand. Let us, therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day: not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and impurities, not in contention and envy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ: and make not provision for the flesh in its concupiscences. 

Sounds like pretty good advice to me. 

More:

Uncluttered Simplicity:  How to Have A Simple Christmas This Year

Understanding Compassion:  Clutter Is A Trigger Of Stress And Anxiety, Psychologists Say

Becoming Minimalist:  The Helpful Guide to Simple Christmas Links