A Fresh Start

Start the holidays with a nice fresh slate. Before bringing anything new into your home, declutter, clean and tidy. Make it so candlelight, holiday greenery, good food and meaningful decorations can be the focus of your space in the month ahead.

I started with the big girls' room, where clutter and knick-knacks build up like nowhere else in the house. It was so refreshing to restore the room to its original state. White walls, inspiring art, happy bedding, many books, and simple toys. Any anxiety I had about clearing their space without them was assuaged after they returned from school and didn't notice the change except to play a little more peacefully than usual.

Next, I'll clear the nursery, and this will be harder for me than Maya.  Baby toys--the rattles and handlers and quiet books--are so sweet. And yet Maya rarely plays with them anymore... she's on to dolls and board books and blocks. I am still not sure if I'll give away the baby things or hold on to them for this or another generation.

And all day long I clear the rest of the house... I use the word "clear" because it's different from tidying or cleaning or even decluttering. I'm seeking clarity here, a state in which my home is balanced, efficient and calm. A space where things have their rightful place and utility. Where meaningful vignettes and inviting corners beckon us to do the things we love.