Time to get schooled: 3’s of the holidays

This is a guest post from Aaron Morris aka Sir Scrapalot, who shares tips for scrapbooking productivity with Simple Scrapper readers once a month!

Some of you may know, I am a teacher during the day. I started out ten years ago teaching the three r’s: reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic. As time has gone on, I’ve focused on the ‘rithmetic, and become a middle school math teacher. Today, I am here to teach you a lesson, but not in reading, writing, or ‘rithmetic. Today I want to teach you about a different three r’s: The Three R’s of the Holidays.

We’re already knee deep in the holiday season, and I’d be willing to bet that some of you (myself included) are already overwhelmed. It’s so easy to get caught up in the throws of the holidays, and not be able to look back until it’s too late. Our best intentions go out the window, and we are caught up with finding the perfect present, that “hot toy,” or having the best outdoor lights and we are lost. The Three R’s of the Holidays are meant to keep you from finding yourself in that lost position.

The Three R’s of the Holidays

Reuse – Every year, I troll the stores trying to find the best, newest wrapping paper. At home, I have buckets full of leftover wrapping paper from years past, but I still search for new papers to use. Why? Do the people I have gifts for care what it’s wrapped in? Will they even notice that it’s the same as last year? Is it even important? No. The answer to all of those questions is no. I end up searching for something because I think it makes a difference. The same goes for decorations, lights, recipes, really anything…save yourself the trouble and reuse what you have from last year.

Relax – Seriously, relax. This time of year is so crazy, it’s incredibly important to remember to take time for yourself, to sip some cocoa, sing some carols, to just enjoy yourself and your family and friends. This is often easier said than done, but it’s so important to truly enjoying your holiday season. For me, I try to make sure I have at least a half hour at the end of the day for me to relax. Otherwise, I’d be one angry little elf.

Reflect – Amid all of the hustle and bustle of this time of year, I like to take time to reflect on the year that’s been. I like to think about the things that I’ve done with my family, the challenges and joys we’ve experienced, and where I am as a person. Reflecting on the year that’s been often puts me into the spirit to celebrate and enjoy all that the holidays are meant to be.

This is my last guest post here before the holidays, so I want to wish all of you happy, healthy holidays.  I’ll see you here on Simple Scrapper in the new year.