5 Lifestyle Tips from Holiday Classics: Tips from a Boston Professional Organizer

As we cozy into the holiday season, I can’t help but think about the memorable holiday movies that have hit the big screen over the years. These movies have become staples of many family’s traditions (including mine), and while these are enjoyable and fun to watch, there are actually quite a few tips to gain from watching these flicks. Below are five of my favorite holidays movies and invaluable tips to help live a more fruitful life.

It’s a Wonderful Life – This movie features James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of a guardian angel. The important takeaway from this movie is to avoid comparing yourself to other people, and start celebrating your daily achievements. When it comes to professional organizing, everyone has a different tolerance of what organization means to him or her. My definition of organized is that you can find something when you need it. For others, that can be something entirely different. I work with a lot of clients with ADD, and for some of them, placing their items out of sight is a really bad way to organize. Know your organization style, and be happy with whatever helps YOU be productive and stress free.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer – Rudolph was a misfit, and far from perfect in the eyes of the other reindeers who “used to laugh and call him names…” Here’s the deal – perfection is not the answer. Being a perfectionist is hard work especially if you are trying to have everything perfectly organized. It’s okay to have the towels slightly unfolded as long as they fit where they are supposed. With our friend “Rudy”, his nose was functional and served a purpose. As we sink deeper into the holiday season – and the level of wanting to achieve perfection rises, learn to let it go and embrace the imperfection.

Home Alone – There are perhaps many takeaways from this film, but the one I keep coming back to is…basements are scary! Remember the basement scene with the devilish looking furnace? If your basement gives you the creeps, perhaps it’s time to have your basement organized. Creating a clean, organized space to store holiday decorations – and many other household goods – will create a more inviting space for family.

A Christmas Story – Persistence pays off. Ralphie wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. And it’s all he talked and dreamt about for the days leading up to Christmas. Most clients I work with want an organized home or office for the holidays. It is achievable, so long as you have Ralphie’s drive and determination. There is no magic wand or flip of a switch that will get this done. You need to work at it. The more you put into a given project each day, the more it will pay off. You CAN reach your goal – just think of Ralphie.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – Again, there are many key lessons to takeaway from this movie. For one, measure your living room before going out to chop down the Christmas tree of your dreams. But the other very important tip is – give your friends and family a heads up before showing up for the holidays. Eddie and his family showed up at the home of the Griswolds, unannounced and needy. For some people the thought of another person entering their home unexpectedly is cause for serious heart palpitations. Prepare for a family member, friend, or neighbor by organizing the space by the front door and working your way around the first floor. It is quite possible your neighbors may come with a plate of holiday cookies. By being prepared, you’ll greet your neighbor with a smile, versus a look of terror.

Photo: Classic Mommy