In with the New . . . Now what about the Old?

Last year I started a new tradition that I couldn’t wait to repeat. For every gift that I receive for Christmas I give something to a local charity. When I hang up a new sweater I search for one that I can pass on to someone else. Same goes for new slippers, jammies, gloves, etc. I rarely stop with removing one old item for each new one. Before I know it I’ve cleaned out my closet.
How about doing the same? You’ll benefit by clearing unwanted stuff and someone less fortunate will have a need met. Like me, you’ll probably find yourself giving away more than you planned and enjoying the process.

Here is how I choose what I should stick in the bag.

· If I haven’t worn it in a season I obviously don’t like it all that much anymore. Why not let someone else enjoy it? This year I gave away a perfectly good sweater that brought back bad memories for me (I was wearing it the night I had an appendicitis attack and never wanted to see it again let alone wear it).
· It needs to have some “wear” left in it (in other words, no stains, rips, or over abundance of fuzz balls). I figure it isn’t nice to donate junk.
· Think beyond clothes. If I get a new book, why not find one on my shelf to pass on, along with a CD, DVD, or pair of earrings?

Have fun blessing someone else with your abundance.