Here is your Home Organizing Checklist for December 2009

____ Dec 1 A new year is fast approaching. Now is the time to think about what your goals are for the coming year. Be sure to write down your goals. This will make them real and concrete and more likely to be reached.

____ Dec 2 Take some time and call an old friend or two. See what they are doing and wish them happy holidays. It will make you both feel good!

____ Dec 3 With the current economy, consider donating food to a local food bank. There are more people than ever using the food bank to help make ends meet. Organizations like Salvation Army are in need of items for their pantries so it is regularly stocked for the needy.

____ Dec 4 Host a cookie exchange. Instead of making a number of different treats on your own, get a few friends or co-workers together and exchange cookies. You will get the variety of treats without having to take the time to make them all!

____ Dec 5 Time to make sure your tax planning is in order for year end. If you have property taxes to pay by December 31, are you prepared? Discuss with your tax specialist.

____ Dec 6 Clean out the freezer. This will make room for the food you will need for the holiday meals; not to mention storing leftovers.

____ Dec 7 This time of year the house is usually all closed up and it can sometimes feel stuffy, so open up the windows for a short time and let in some fresh air.

____ Dec 8 Get in the spirit of the season by watching a classic holiday movie like 'A Christmas Story,' 'It’s a Wonderful Life,' or 'Miracle on 34th Street.'

____ Dec 9 Giving should be something that is done on a regular basis, but it is especially true at this time of the year. Consider making a contribution to your favorite charity. Otherwise, donate any gently used coats you no longer need or buy a few toys for the children of families who are struggling in the area.

____ Dec 10 Grab a large manila envelope and label it Tax Stuff 2009. As you begin getting end-of-year tax-related paperwork, you’ll have a place to store it.

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____ Dec 11 Check over your camera and/or video camera. How is it doing as far as battery life, memory card, etc.? Get it up and ready-to-go for picture taking at parties and get-togethers.

____ Dec 12 Make a fruitcake. Fruitcake is made in a number of different countries and in a lot of different ways. Usually they are made with dried fruit and nuts. Find a recipe and give it a try!

____ Dec 13 Buy your 2010 calendar and prepare it for the new year, being sure to include any birthdays, other special events, or appointments you’ve already set.

____ Dec 14 Spend an hour today weeding out your filing cabinet. Put on some fun music, so the time goes by quickly. Have a shredder and a recycle container on hand so you can discard unnecessary papers immediately.

____ Dec 15 Make sure you have de-icing pellets and store snow shovels for easy access. If you have a snow blower, ensure it is in working order.

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____ Dec 16 When wrapping gifts, consider helping the planet by using re-usable totes and gift bags.

____ Dec 17 As you receive cards, letters, e-mails and other communication during the month, update your address book at the same time.

____ Dec 18 Take some time for yourself. Give some thought to the things you learned over the past year. What would you like to learn this coming year?

____ Dec 19 Go through your family’s wardrobe and pull out anything that’s no longer being worn. Donate these clothing items to your favorite charity.v

____ Dec 20 Skin tends to get dry during the winter season. Keep it hydrated by using a moisturizer more often.

____ Dec 21 It’s the first day of winter, also know as the Winter Solstice. It’s the day of the year when the sun is farthest South. To celebrate, do something 'winter' related. It could be sledding, snowmobiling, skiing, or just having a hot chocolate by the fireplace.

____ Dec 22 Change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. The risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase during the winter months. Review the fire escape plan with your family.

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____ Dec 23 Take a drive around the neighborhood and check out the holiday decorations. It’s fun to see all the lights and animated figures that are displayed.

____ Dec 24 Christmas Eve is here! Are you ready for the big day tomorrow? Double-check your lists to make sure.

____ Dec 25 Merry Christmas! Enjoy this special day with family and friends!

____ Dec 26 If you are looking for a few new ornaments or holiday decorations for next year and want to get them at a bargain price, now is the time to head over the stores for their 'After Christmas' sales. Clothing and other items are on clearance too.

____ Dec 27 Get rid of one thing in your kitchen that you never use.

____ Dec 28 Take this day to do some rest and relaxation. Sleep in late. Read a good book. Take a bubble bath. Do whatever makes you happy and relaxes you.

____ Dec 29 Compliment someone. Seems like each year life gets more and more hectic and we forget the small things. Start a new trend. Stop and appreciate something that someone has done by telling them.

____ Dec 30 Look at your current fitness routine. Is there anything you need to change or add? Is there any type of new activity you would to try or new classes you would like to take?

____ Dec 31 If you’re going out for New Year’s Eve, have a great time. Be sure, however, to make it a safe holiday and have a designated driver if you plan on drinking.

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by Maria Gracia - Get Organized Now! http://www.getorganizednow.com FREE Idea-Pak and E-zine filled with tips, ideas, articles and more to help you organize your home, your office and your life at the Get Organized Now! Web site!