Amanda

Daily Resolution: Avoid a Taxing Time of Year

With the close of the year close at hand, start gathering your documents and receipts to be used for submitting your taxes. Even though you still have plenty of time, start organizing your plan of attack. Make lists of deductions, put together verification of transactions to be noted, contact your tax preparer (or find one) and discuss the past year’s income and expenditures. Starting January 1st with an understanding of your tax situation can help you toward better strategies for the upcoming year. And this will only help you get that refund more quickly or give you the time to pay the government what is owed.

Daily Resolution: Rejoice! Re-Gift!

Inevitably there are things you will receive for the holiday season that you do not need or do not care for. Before it sits in a drawer or a closet, immediately re-gift it to someone who may appreciate it. Try a gift trade with a friend or family member who also has items to unload. Donate items to a charitable organization. Simple items can go a long way for someone in need or add a special touch to someone’s life. Rejoice in the power of re-gifting. How many Starbuck’s gift cards do you really need?

Daily Resolution: Boxing Day

Examine the leftover boxes you have handing around, and before you throw them away, consider recycling or re-using them. Sort them by intended purpose: sturdy corrugated ones make great mailers, shirt boxes for last minute needs, or bags for baked goods the next season. If a recent holiday or birthday has passed, sometimes even wrapping paper can be salvaged for smaller gifts to be wrapped next year. Be sure to remove any labels or gift tags before re-using!

Daily Resolution: Open Your Heart

Set your worries aside. Count your blessings. Think only positive thoughts. Sing a song. Smile often. Enjoy the company of others, but appreciate time for yourself. Eat something sweet. Tell people you love them. Do a good deed. Reflect. Make a wish. Be at peace.

Daily Resolution: Refinish Something

One of the greatest joys in the life of an old piece of furniture is being spray painted. Seriously, nobody wants to be a boring shade of brown or white their whole life, right? Look up some YouTube videos on how to refinish furniture and pick an old piece of furniture that could use some touching up. Bonus points for choosing a vibrant color, like yellow!

Daily Resolution: Plan a Sports-Themed Party

Bowl Games Mania (football) strikes many households in December and January,  and it is a good idea to not only have plenty of snacks on hand, but bowls to put them in. Take a few with you if someone else is hosting the party. Many economical retail stores have decorative and colorful plastic bowls sold in multi-packs for just a few dollars. They are easy to clean and can be used again for the next bowl game!

Daily Resolution: Promote Your Favorite Business

Is there is a business you love? Do you do there often without even thinking about it? Today your goal is to shout them out. Use your social networks and personal communications to give them a big verbal high-five and word of mouth buzz that only you and their most loyal customers can provide. For bonus points, bring a friend there today and share the experience!

Daily Resolution: Think About Winter

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day of the year, but has been traditionally commemorated in a variety of ways by different cultures throughout the world for centuries. The burning of the Yule log, the masked parading of mummers, and even sacrifice in ancient days have been part of the seasonal rituals. Find your own way to celebrate the official change in season from autumn to winter by starting your own tradition. Bake a batch of cookies, have a hot chocolate party, or grab a blanket and cozy up with someone in front of a fire as you toast to “Old Man Winter.”

Daily Resolution: Press Play

Customize a  “play list” for you or your family. Before you start an internet hunt for classic tunes, check with others who may have a trove of medleys you could borrow to create your own compilation. Fill the room and set the mood. There are also many free radio venues that can be accessed through the internet which categorize holiday music if your particular tastes run in a specific genre like classics, children’s songs, jazzy, gospel, etc.

Daily Resolution: Watch Some Classic Movies

Make some time to watch a classic movie with friends or family. For example, during the holidays, some list toppers include: “A Christmas Story,” “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” “Prancer,” and “Elf”. Get a television schedule to see what is playing and plan for a popcorn night. Many of these annual favorites can also be found in local stores, online, or can be rented. Already have your own copy? Dust it off and take a stroll with Jimmy Stewart through Bedford Falls, sing a song with Bing Crosby, or appreciate the innocence of Buddy the Elf…just don’t shoot your eye out, kid!