The Holidays are upon us. And if you're like most of the population, you're already beginning to feel anxious in anticipation of stressfull holidays -- again. But this year can be different!

Most of us associate clutter with 'stuff' -- physical clutter like junk in the basement and garage, papers and magazines, clothes, and other people's 'stuff'. In the next two months, let's focus on the 'other clutter' -- the mental, emotional and even spiritual clutter that piles up and impacts our holidays in negative ways.

The Signs that You Have Clutter include

1. Anything you do not LOVE, USE, or NEED -- items that need repair, things packed away, those clothes that don't fit, someone else's stuff, and anything that has outlived its useful life
2. Nagging Obligations like family, social activites and paperwork and mail
3. Suspicious Shoulds including greeting cards, gift- giving, and unfinished projects
4. Too much stuff in too small a space -- all those decorations, to do lists, stress, weight
5. Things that are untidy or disorganized -- where are these areas lurking in your home?

All this clutter impacts your holidays and your life in four negative ways: time, money, safety and health, and energy. Time to unpack and repack all the decorations, to plan and give parties, and shop and wrap. Money for food and gifts and more. Fatigue, depression, overwhelm, and weight are the negative impacts on your safety and health. But most of all, your energy is impacted! What would you rather be doing with your energy this Holiday Season?

GET STARTED! This year can be different. Begin with the END first. Decide what your goal is for this holiday season and create an ACTION PLAN. Make two lists: one of the things you like MOST about the holidays and another with what you like LEAST (e.g. family, spirit of giving, traditions vs. crowds, family obligations, spending too much money). Decide how you want to experience the holidays -- a little more quiet and relaxation or more activity and social opportunities? Now practice the 10 Tips for De-Stressing Your Holidays (Part I).

Tip One: Make a Plan! Include your family and friends in making the plan.

• What do you want to be different?
• What do you want to keep?
• What makes the Holidays 'special'?
• What feels like 'work'?

Tip Two: Make New Rules -- Your Rules! Who made the 'Holiday Rules' anyway??

• What's the worst that could happen if you changed the rules?
• What are the benefits to changing the rules?
• Can you skip Aunt Matilda's fruit cake that no one likes?
• Do you always have to have dinner at [insert family name] house?
• How can you compromise so that it is a Win/Win this year?

Tip Three: Ask for Help! Who said you have to do it all by yourself? The problem with asking for help is that you will have to de-clutter and Let It Go!

• Let Go of MY WAY is the ONLY WAY
• Let Go of PERFECTION and rearranging things that someone else did not to your satisfaction
• Let Go of CONTROL and being in charge of everything
• Let Go of EXPECTATIONS. It's OK to be surprised! Live dangerously. What's the worst that could happen?

Tip Four: Remember Less is More! Elaine St. James tells a story of her trip to the South Pacific. Upon entering the hotel room at their first stop they were "beseiged by a barrage of hibiscus blooms" on every surface, on the bed, in the tub, and on the floor. While lovely, all had to be picked up before they could unpack and settle in. At the second hotel, two huge red blooms were placed on each of the bed pillows. "Those blooms were exquisite, and their singularity made it much easier to appreciate their beauty." Aren't 5 angels or Santas exquisitiely placed made more special than 100?

Tip Five: Simplify! Eliminate the obligations. Clutter clearing includes obligations and suspicious shoulds. What obligations and shoulds can you eliminate?

• Are you obligated to spend $100 on a gift? Could it be changed to $50?
• Is baking an obligation?
• Do you feel like you 'should' send an out of town gift?
• Do you feel obligated to have several parties or attend them?

By the time you're finished working through these 5 tips, you'll be ready for the next 5 in Part II in November.

"Kathie, thank you for giving us peace of mind! You completely organized our house, starting with our son Kevin's room, who is a college chemistry major. Brilliant mind but messy room. He was truly appreciative and his finals were less stressful! My husband loved the basement with all his sports cards and albums organized! Clean Sweep! You tamed the paper tiger in my home office. I am so much more organized now. I cannot believe how it gave me so much more instant energy, to get more creative and accomplish more.

The Feng Shui that you did at Serenity was noticed by all! What a difference. I don't know how it works, but it works. Everyone comments on how the space feels really great since rearranged. We have had more walk in traffic, more energy, and more new great people continue to come into our lives at Serentiy on St. Paul Day Spa. Thank You!" --Andrea Kulpa, Owner, Serenity on St. Paul Day Spa, North Cherry Creek

Contact Andrea for spa and massage gift certificates at 303.393.8989 or visit her at 240 St. Paul Street, STuie G-115 in North Cherry Creek.