In this episode, I'm joined by Stacy Gooding from Good Order Professional Organizing to explore how we can actually feel ease and joy heading into the holiday season instead of the usual tuck-and-roll survival mode. Stacy shares practical strategies for gift shopping, wrapping, hosting, and most importantly—putting yourself first so you can be present with the people you love.

Key Points

• Understanding that organizing and order in your life is not about perfection—perfection is the highest form of self-abuse
• Getting clear on who you're actually buying gifts for and having honest conversations with family about simplifying gift exchanges
• Starting holiday shopping early by blocking one hour per week beginning in September to order gifts gradually
• The game-changing strategy of wrapping gifts as they arrive rather than waiting for December 24th
• Creating a mobile wrapping station (three-tier cart) with all supplies in one accessible place
• The power of active listening throughout the year to discover meaningful gifts that make people feel seen
• How to avoid the last-minute "I don't have enough" panic by planning stockings alongside regular gift purchases
• Setting up your home for hosting success: preparing guest rooms thoughtfully, creating designated zones (snack station, coffee station), and clearing spaces before guests arrive
• The importance of delegating tasks and letting go of control over things you care less about
• Making your own well-being the non-negotiable priority on holiday mornings
• Focusing on the feeling and experience you want to create rather than perfect execution of every detail
• Treating December as a meditation to notice what works and what doesn't for future planning

Quotes

"Organizing and order in your life is not about perfection because perfection is the highest form of self-abuse."

"We all wanna feel validated and seen. We wanna love and be loved in return. Giving a gift that says, I listen to you, I hear you—that's what matters."

"The thing that we have absolutely no time for is the one thing we very much need, which is the time for ourselves."

"You're always gonna remember how people make you feel. It's the feeling you're going for, not the perfection."

"What would it be like to go into the holidays with your enjoyment and ease factor being the number one priority?"

"It is not possible to do all of this stuff in the four weeks leading up to the holiday. I refuse to do it to myself anymore."

Resources Mentioned

• Good Order Professional Organizing: https://www.goodorderllc.com/ (serving North Shore and Cape Ann areas)
• Three-tier rolling cart for wrapping supplies: https://a.co/d/hOlQvTJ 

What's Coming Next

Continue exploring how to create intentional, nourishing experiences during the holiday season by putting your well-being first and letting go of perfectionism.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of "Mothering Ourselves Mindfully." We look forward to sharing more insights and inspiration in the upcoming episodes!

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