by Vicki Peel | Jun 6, 2025 | Clear Clutter, Lifestyle |
You can’t move forward if you don’t know what’s blocking your path.
We’ve all been there—feeling stuck.
Stalled.
Surrounded by clutter and unsure why we’re not making progress.
If you’re over 50, building a business or preparing your legacy, here’s what you need to know: clutter isn’t always what you think it is.
Sometimes it looks like paper piles or a messy desktop.
But more often, it hides in your brain, your calendar, or your decision-making.
What’s the Real Problem?
Let’s name it:
You can’t clear the path forward if you don’t know what’s in the way.
And clutter shows up in more forms than just physical mess:
- Digital clutter – Files scattered across devices, email inbox overload, no idea where your stuff is.
- Mental clutter – Too many ideas, too few next steps. You’re thinking in circles.
- Emotional clutter – Guilt, fear, perfectionism. The “I shoulds” pile up.
- Calendar clutter – Too many meetings, outdated commitments, no room to breathe.
Truth? I’ve experienced every one of those clutter situations. And it stops accomplishing anything right in its tracks!
Clutter isn’t just “stuff.”
It’s anything that distracts you from what matters.
Why It Matters
If you try to solve everything at once, you solve nothing. I know. I’ve tried.
You waste precious time organizing things that don’t matter—or worse, you get overwhelmed and quit before you start.
- In business: You tweak your logo again instead of finishing that client follow-up. (OMG – I’ve just done that this week!!)
- In life: You alphabetize the spice rack but ignore the fact that your mornings start in chaos.
Here’s the truth:
You can’t live well—or finish strong—until you get clear about what’s really blocking you.
A Just-in-Time Fix
Let’s make this simple. That’s something I’ve made a concerted effort to do. And I’m actually making progress. I’ve let a lot of things go that I thought I “should do”. Still working on the not feeling guilty part.
Ask yourself:
“What’s keeping me from moving forward… today?”
That’s it. One question.
Then:
Name it. Claim it. Tame it.
Use this quick Clarity Filter to find what’s actually in the way right now:
✅ I don’t know what to do next
✅ I have too many unfinished tasks
✅ I can’t find what I need
✅ I’m overwhelmed with decisions
✅ I’m trying to do too much
✅ I’m doing the wrong thing at the wrong time
Pick just one.
Then address that.
Not everything. Just that.
You’ll be amazed at how powerful one small shift can be.
What’s in Your Way Today?
I’d love to know—make a comment or define your SOS: Submit One Situation button and share the thing that’s tripping you up right now.
I’ll help you take the next step.
And if you’re ready to tackle your digital clutter, my upcoming File Flow mini-course might be just what you need to clear that mental load and make room for what matters.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, a retired educator and Certified Organizational Specialist, and I created HER Life Hacks to help women C.O.P.E.—Clear Clutter, Organize, Preserve, and Empower themselves. Legacy decluttering isn’t just about getting rid of things—it’s about choosing what truly matters, ensuring that our most treasured belongings, memories, and values are preserved for future generations, and creating a home that reflects what’s important.
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Apr 29, 2025 | Clear Clutter, Lifestyle, Organize, Preserve |
Legacy Living Starts Here:
A Manifesto, A Framework, and a Weekly Rhythm to Build What Matters
Some seasons of life ask us to go deeper, not faster. To get clearer, not busier. To make room for what matters—and let go of what no longer does.
That’s why I created HER Life Hacks and the C.O.P.E. Framework. And it’s why today, I’m unveiling something even more intentional:
✨ The Legacy Living Manifesto
📍 The C.O.P.E. Framework (Clear. Organize. Preserve. Empower.)
📅 The BLT Weekly Track: A rhythm of life and business content designed for impact
🌱 Introducing the Legacy Living Manifesto
Legacy isn’t something you write at the end of your life—it’s something you live, daily. The Legacy Living Manifesto is a declaration of values, vision, and action for women 50+ who want to live with purpose and finish well.
It’s not a list of goals or resolutions. It’s an incentive—an invitation to step forward with clarity, courage, and intention.
Downloadable and Printable Legacy Living Manifesto
The C.O.P.E. Framework: Your Legacy Starts Now
At the heart of everything I offer is the C.O.P.E. Framework:
- C – Clear Clutter: Let go of the excess. Keep what matters.
- O – Organize: Put things in place that make life easier and more meaningful.
- P – Preserve: Capture your stories, your wisdom, your voice.
- E – Empower: Live with purpose. Pass on more than things—pass on strength.
Every tool, tip, product, and post at HER Life Hacks connects to one of these four pillars. Together, they support you in creating a life (and legacy) by design—not default.
🥪 What Is BLT? Your Weekly Legacy Content Plan
Legacy Living is easier when you know what to expect. So, I’ve created a rhythm to anchor your week:
- B = Business Legacy Track (Tuesdays): Streamline your digital life, repurpose your content, organize your assets, and design a business that reflects your values.
- L = Life Legacy Track (Wednesdays): Focus on home, family, estate prep, decluttering, organizing, memory-keeping, and all the meaningful layers of life that shape your story.
- T = Together Track (Fridays): The intersection where life and business meet. Think productivity, time management, legacy tech tips, or personal stories with broader applications.
Each week, you’ll receive content that fits within one of these tracks—always grounded in the C.O.P.E. pillars, always aligned with the bigger picture: living well, finishing strong, and leaving nothing unsaid.
❤️ You’re Invited
This is more than a blog post. It’s your invitation to embrace a different pace and a deeper purpose.
Subscribe, follow along, and participate. Whether you’re ready to tackle your closets, your content, or your calling—I’ve got something coming your way that will help.
This is where Legacy Living begins. I’m so glad you’re here.
To your storied life,
Live well. Finish strong. Leave nothing unsaid.
Go to https://HERLifeHacks.com to subscribe to my newsletter. You are welcome here!
I’m Vicki Peel, Ed.D. — creator of HER Life Hacks,
certified organizational specialist,
and your guide to Legacy Living.
Here, we declutter what doesn’t matter, organize what does,
and preserve the stories only you can tell.
This is for women who want to live with intention, leave a legacy,
and never lose track of what really counts.
Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest C.O.P.E. content.
by Vicki Peel | Mar 27, 2025 | Clear Clutter, Lifestyle, Preserve |
Elizabeth’s experiences with legacy decluttering involved her parents, who began the process themselves, and her aunt, whose estate she managed.
In a recent interview, she shared her stories of legacy decluttering.
Have you thought about the legacy you want to leave behind in terms of the stuff you own?
Whether you’re downsizing due to life’s natural transitions or simply beginning the journey of letting go, the Legacy Decluttering Starter Kit is your trusted guide. Click on the title below to see what’s included and how it can help you.
Live Well. Finish Strong. Leave a Lasting Legacy.
If you’re interested in the Legacy Decluttering Starter Kit, contact me at vicki@herlifehacks.com for a coupon code if you would like a discount.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever.
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Mar 18, 2025 | Clear Clutter |
Have you ever opened a closet only to be greeted by an avalanche of old belongings? Each item teetering on the edge of nostalgia, yet only adding to the clutter? If so, you’re not alone.
Our lives often accumulate so many things that it becomes hard to distinguish between what truly matters and what simply takes up space.
But, decluttering doesn’t have to cost a fortune or be an overwhelming task. Let’s dive into 3 simple—and budget-friendly—steps to embark on your legacy decluttering journey, so you can keep what matters and let go of the rest.
Step 1: Start with Stories, Not Stuff
Before you reach for that worn-out sweater, pause for a moment. What’s the story behind it? Ah, that old familiar tale! Maybe it was a gift from a beloved friend or a cherished memory from a special event. It’s easy to confuse the sentimental value of an object with the emotions tied to it. So, let’s flip the narrative.
Instead of keeping the sweater, take a moment to write down your story: When did you receive it? Why does it hold special meaning? Snap a photo of the sweater to immortalize it in the digital realm. By doing this, you preserve the memory without the physical clutter. Once you capture the sentiment, consider donating the sweater to someone who could use it. You’ve honored the past while creating space for new experiences. It’s a win-win!
Step 2: Give Meaningful Things a Second Life
Now that you’ve cleared out some of the sentimental clutter, let’s shine a light on those pieces that may have outlived their purpose. You know that vintage dresser taking up space in your garage? While it once may have inspired dreams of DIY projects, perhaps it’s time to let it go. Your clutter could be someone else’s treasure—and even a chance for you to make a little cash!
Consider donating to local charities, selling through community groups, or repurposing items into something fresh and functional. For instance, that dresser could become a trendy TV stand or a unique entryway piece with a little paint and some flair. By giving meaningful items a second life, you not only declutter your space but also contribute positively to someone else’s story. Who knows? Maybe that dresser will inspire another’s creativity!
Step 3: Ditch the Guilt, Keep the Gratitude
Letting go can be tough, especially when it comes to items that carry emotional weight, like Grandma’s china. But here’s the truth: Grandma’s heart won’t shatter if you decide to pass it on. Honor her legacy by choosing to keep items that genuinely serve you—not those that suffocate you with guilt.
When you do a declutter session, practice gratitude. Thank the items for their previous roles in your life, recognize how they served you, and then let them go. By doing so, you’re valuing the memories without being burdened by the possessions. You’re preserving the essence of your family history, and that is what truly matters.
What’s Your Next Move?
Decluttering is about more than just clearing space; it’s about making room for the things that genuinely matter in your life. By starting with stories, repurposing meaningful items, and letting go of guilt while staying grateful, you can declutter your legacy on a budget that honors both your past and your future.
Still feel those twinges of doubt and guilt when you let go of sentimental items? Take this simple quiz to answer this question: Are You Carrying Too Much Emotional Clutter?
Ready to take it on?
What’s one sentimental item you’ve let go of that led to a sense of lightness? Share your journey with others and remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be an emotional battle.
It can be a liberating experience that brings joy, clarity, and gratitude as you craft a legacy filled with only what truly matters.
Now go ahead—take that step, breathe, and embrace the freedom that comes from letting go!
This post was previously published on Substack, March 12, 2025.
by Vicki Peel | Feb 19, 2025 | Clear Clutter |
Clearing Emotional Clutter: 5 Steps to Lighten Your Mental Load
How Emotional Clutter Holds You Back
If your quiz results suggest that emotional clutter is a challenge for you, you’re not alone. We live in a time of constant input, where information, worries, and expectations pile up like a never-ending to-do list. Oh- you didn’t take the quiz? You can take it in the last blog post:
Here’s how emotional clutter impacts your life:
- It drains your energy. Constant mental noise can be just as exhausting as physical work.
- It kills productivity. When your mind is cluttered, focusing on important tasks becomes harder.
- It affects your health. Stress-related clutter can lead to headaches, sleep problems, and anxiety.
- It shows up in your space. Mental clutter often leads to a cluttered home or workspace, making stress even worse.
Now that you’ve identified your emotional clutter, here’s how to start clearing it:
1. Set Boundaries on Information Overload
- Reduce exposure to anxiety-inducing news and social media.
- Set a daily “news window” to check updates without doomscrolling.
- Unfollow accounts that add to stress instead of value.
2. Create a “Mental Declutter” List
- Write down everything weighing on your mind (worries, to-dos, unfinished tasks).
- Identify what you can control vs. what you can’t.
- Prioritize just one small action to gain momentum.
3. Process and Release What You’re Holding Onto
- Try journaling to clear lingering thoughts and emotions.
- Have an honest conversation with someone you trust.
- Consider therapy or coaching if unresolved emotions are affecting your daily life.
4. Declutter Your Physical Space to Clear Your Mind
- Tidy up one small area (your desk, nightstand, or purse) to create a sense of control.
- Notice how a clearer space makes your mind feel lighter.
- Use decluttering as a mindful reset instead of just another chore.
5. Reset Your Mind Daily
- Start your mornings with five minutes of deep breathing, stretching, or journaling.
- Set an evening wind-down routine to release mental clutter before bed.
- Focus on small, consistent habits rather than perfection.
The good news? You can start decluttering your emotions just like you would your home—one small step at a time.
Lighten Your Load One Thought at a Time
Emotional clutter doesn’t disappear overnight, but taking small, intentional steps can free up mental space, reduce stress, and help you feel more in control—no matter what’s happening in the world
My Challenge:
Although I need to work on #1, #2, and #5, I realize that creates more emotional clutter, because it’s overwhelming. The last thing I need to do when I’m dealing with emotional issues is to take on too much.
However, #1 – Set boundaries on information overload is paramount for me. I confess that I have been emotionally overloaded since November. And the things that weigh heavily are things I cannot fix. It’s easy to know what to do. It’s not always easy to do it. It takes effort and planning and execution of those plans.
I have shifted my major social media platforms to Substack and LinkedIn, with more focus on Substack. But my major platform is YouTube, on which I have plans to post more. As a certified introvert, I don’t like Instagram. I’ve quit posting and scrolling on Facebook (to the extent possible). The only reason I’m still on Facebook is because I’m in some informative and supportive Facebook Groups, so I still need access to those. But I dislike Facebook – a lot. I deleted my X account and don’t follow anyone there. And I refuse to be on TikTok.
As for the news, I don’t watch it ever. I try to avoid reading any news when I come across it. I subscribe to and read Steady by Dan Rather. Period.
Your Challenge:
Pick just ONE decluttering step from this list and try it today. Then, notice how it makes you feel. I’d love to hear what you decide to do and how it goes for you.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist to help you C.O.P.E. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
by Vicki Peel | Feb 6, 2025 | Clear Clutter |
Introduction
Does life feel heavier than usual? Do you find yourself overwhelmed, distracted, or emotionally exhausted by the end of the day? If so, you might be carrying emotional clutter—the mental and emotional weight of stress, worries, and unresolved thoughts.
Just like a cluttered home can make it hard to relax, emotional clutter can drain your energy, sabotage your focus, and leave you feeling stuck. But how do you know if it’s affecting you?
Take this quick quiz to find out if emotional clutter is holding you back.
How Emotional Clutter Holds You Back
If your quiz results suggest that emotional clutter is a challenge for you, you’re not alone. We live in a time of constant input, where information, worries, and expectations pile up like a never-ending to-do list.
Here’s how emotional clutter impacts your life:
- It drains your energy. Constant mental noise can be just as exhausting as physical work.
- It kills productivity. When your mind is cluttered, focusing on important tasks becomes harder.
- It affects your health. Stress-related clutter can lead to headaches, sleep problems, and anxiety.
- It shows up in your space. Mental clutter often leads to a cluttered home or workspace, making stress even worse.
The good news? You can start decluttering your emotions just like you would your home—one small step at a time.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist to help you C.O.P out. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
by Vicki Peel | Jan 21, 2025 | Clear Clutter, Lifestyle, Preserve |
Marie is downsizing from a huge house she lived in for almost 60 years to a tiny apartment over 100 miles away. Her story is one of legacy decluttering.
Are you starting to consider the legacy you want to leave behind?
Whether you’re downsizing due to life’s natural transitions or simply beginning the journey of letting go, the Legacy Decluttering Starter Kit is your trusted guide. Click on the title below to see what’s included and how it can help you.
Live Well. Finish Strong. Leave a Lasting Legacy.
If you’re interested in the Legacy Decluttering Starter Kit, contact me at vicki@herlifehacks.com for a coupon code. The launch coupon code only lasts a week But I’ll be glad to give subscribers a code.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Jan 6, 2025 | Clear Clutter, Lifestyle, Preserve |
Have you ever looked around and thought, “How did my life get so full of stuff?” And I mean not just the piles of things in your home, but the mental and emotional clutter too.
For years, I bought into the idea that living well meant doing and having it all. But that’s a recipe for overwhelm and exhaustion. I’ve been there, and I know firsthand that the secret to living well isn’t about more.
It’s about clarity of purpose and prioritizing what truly matters.
The “Having It All” Myth
For too long, I thought I had to be everything to everyone and excel at it all.
The truth? Trying to do it all left me frustrated and drained. I left myself out of the priorities.
Here’s the big mistake we all make. We think living well is about adding more.
But what I’ve learned is that it’s really about letting go of what doesn’t matter and focusing on what does.
Living well doesn’t mean perfection or having it all together. It means figuring out what’s important to you and giving yourself permission to let go of the rest. That’s how we create a life that supports us instead of one that exhausts us.
And that sets the stage for “finishing strong”.
Starting With Decluttering
Decluttering doesn’t mean tossing everything you own or becoming a minimalist if that’s not your thing. It’s about making choices. Ask yourself:
- Does this item or task add value to my life?
- Am I keeping this because I love it, or out of guilt or habit?
And remember, decluttering doesn’t have to be extreme. It’s about creating a space that feels good to you, not empty or sterile. Keep the things that bring you joy and serve a purpose. Then let go of the rest. Trust me, you’ll feel lighter.
Everything Needs a Home
Once you’ve decluttered, the next step is to get organized.
My golden rule? Everything must have a home. If it doesn’t, it’s just clutter waiting to happen. When you know where something belongs, you’ll save yourself time and frustration. And when you return it to its home, you’ll know exactly where to find it next time. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference.
And here’s another great organizing tip – the “one in, one out” rule. If you bring something new into your space, let go of something old. It’s a simple way to keep things from piling up again.
Build Habits That Work for You
Living well isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about the small, consistent habits that move the needle.
I’ll give you an example: in June 2022, I stopped drinking sweet tea and soda. It was hard at first, but tracking my progress helped me stick with it. Habit trackers are my secret weapon. They make it easy to see your progress and keep you motivated.
If you’ve got big goals, break them into smaller, manageable steps. Write them down, track your progress, and celebrate the wins along the way. You’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Time Management Isn’t Just About Schedules
We all wear a lot of hats—caregiver, professional, friend, homemaker. It’s easy to feel pulled in a million directions. That’s why managing your time is so important. Here are a few things that have worked for me:
- Prioritize your tasks. Not everything is urgent or important, so focus on what really matters.
- Time-block your day. Set aside specific times for work, family, and yes, self-care. You need to be on your own list. (I still have trouble making that a priority!)
- Learn to say “no” without guilt. Every time you say yes to something unimportant, you’re saying no to something that matters.
Ask for Help (Trust Me on This One)
I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness. I was wrong.
When I finally let go of that belief and started letting others help out, everything got easier. Whether it’s asking family for support, hiring a professional, or joining a community group, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone.
Truthfully, allowing others to help you helps them. People love the feeling that comes from doing something to help someone they care about.
Progress, Not Perfection
Here’s the truth: living well and finishing strong isn’t about getting it all right. It’s about taking small, intentional steps that align with your values and bring you joy. Focus on progress, not perfection. Give yourself grace along the way.
Your Next Step
Ready to start? Here’s what I’d suggest: take a few minutes to reflect on what really matters to you. Then pick one small area—a drawer, a shelf, or even just your calendar—and take action.
Declutter, organize, or ask for help.
Small changes add up, and before you know it, you’ll feel lighter and more in control.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. This is your journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. The life you want is closer than you think.
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever. So, sign up now so you won’t miss anything during our July through September focus on LIFESTYLE!
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Dec 18, 2024 | Lifestyle, Preserve |
Christmas is a time for family and traditions. It’s a time when our stories are molded and meant to be remembered, shared, and retold.
I am proud to share today’s blog post about how Christmas family traditions are the “building blocks of our legacy”, which was written by Giavanni Swanger.
Building Memories and Meaning: The Power of Christmas Traditions
As a child, Christmas always felt like the most magical time of the year—with the smell of cookies filling the house, the excitement of seeing family you have not seen in a while, and who could forget the highly anticipated visit from Santa, which created a whirlwind of excitement. Now, as a parent, I see the same excitement mirrored in my children, but what truly makes the season magical are the traditions we have created together—the annual Christmas party with extended family and the peaceful, slow morning spent in pajamas opening presents with immediate family. These traditions are more than just rituals; they are the heart of our holiday celebration. Our traditions connect us, provide comfort, and create memories that will carry on for generations to come, reminding me that traditions are what make the season, and life, so meaningful.
Traditions have a wonderful way of bringing people together. Every year around Christmas, our family plans a Christmas party to exchange gifts and have one guaranteed day a year where we get to spend time together amidst busy schedules. We order the same 10-foot sub from a restaurant called Baldino’s, we get wings from JJ’s Buffalo Wings—half lemon pepper and half mild—and my mother-in-law makes her homemade cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and deviled eggs. We catch up on life and share stories of things that have happened since our last gathering. Every year my mother-in-law gets gifts for a game that we play that involves dice. (My husband and I always pick out which items we want and try our hardest to leave the game with the gifts we want.) We may not all be able to get together throughout the year, but simple traditions like that help us maintain our connection with one another.
Traditions provide a sense of stability and comfort. My husband and I take Christmas morning slow —or at least as slow as our children will let us. We stay in our pajamas, brew a fresh cup of coffee, turn on the Grinch, and begin sorting out presents. We take the time to enjoy our company as a family before the excitement of new gifts takes over. The slow pace of the morning gives a certain comfort after having a busy, and sometimes crowded, Christmas party. Our small family tradition provides us with a sense of peace that I hope will continue for years to come, as the lessons of love, patience, and family are passed onto the next generation.
Traditions are a good way to solidify a family legacy. They can be enjoyed for generations; I hope my children will look back on Christmases from their childhood and smile. The games, food, and laughter shared at the Christmas party have helped nurture and create bonds with our family and closest friends. I remember my grandparents sharing stories of their holiday traditions growing up, and we would gather around the table and play the same dice game my great-grandmother used to host. Those moments left a lasting imprint on me, and now I see my children creating their memories one holiday at a time. Our kids will take the lessons of generosity and the value of spending time with family and carry those values into adulthood. Though future generations may make changes to how the tradition is carried out, the underlying value will stay the same.
As I imagine myself 15 or 20 years from now, watching my children carry on our family’s Christmas traditions, I feel a sense of warmth and happiness. I can picture them hosting their own Christmas gathering; I know the traditions will live on—filled with laughter, games, and togetherness. The food may be a little different, and the rules of the games may have changed, but the same joy will come from their time spent together. Perhaps they will take Christmas morning slowly, enjoying their time together, and passing the tradition down to their kids. The traditions that we hold today such as gatherings and shared memories are more than just events or moments in time. They are the building blocks of our legacy.
GUEST BLOGGER, Giavanni Swanger’s essay was selected as one of the best in her Writing and Communication Class at Mercer College in Macon, Georgia, which is taught by Christina Harris. As a result, I excitedly agreed to post her essay on my HER Life Hacks blog.
Giavanni is a college student studying IT and a proud law enforcement wife. After nearly a decade working in the veterinary field, she decided to return to school to pursue her passion for technology. She’s also a mom to three kids and three dogs, and is turning her love for baking into a growing business. Her family traditions inspired the essay featured here, written as part of her college studies.
The Author – Giavanni Swanger and Children
Disclosure: My blog posts sometimes contain affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase, which is at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever.
https://HERLifeHacks.com
by Vicki Peel | Dec 16, 2024 | Lifestyle, Preserve |
Christmas is a time for family and traditions. It’s a time when our stories are molded and meant to be remembered, shared, and retold.
I am proud to share today’s blog post about family traditions, which was written by Tiffany Kochensparger.
A Cobb Family Christmas
Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. Much like the dinner bell a mother may use to gather her children for supper, the jingle bells of the season call my whole family together. Each year, the holiday season celebrates our family’s love. Aunts, uncles, and cousins from states away gather to celebrate and catch up on the year’s events. In my family, Christmas day is filled with a plethora of traditions that act as a glue that holds our family together.
Every Christmas, the mornings begin with each immediate family starting the day with their own traditions, whether opening presents or enjoying breakfast. But as the day progresses, everyone knows where they will be in the evening: my father’s house. My father, Craig, has been hosting Christmas dinner for as long as I can remember. He takes such pride in this gathering, placing Christmas lights in every inch of the home and creating a magical, colorful display throughout the yard. As the family begins to assemble, they enter through the Christmas-lighted archways that my father made, which line the driveway, symbolizing the beginning of our Christmas festivities. No formal invitation is sent, and there is no Facebook event scheduled; it is a known tradition that everyone will be at Craig’s house at 7 pm every Christmas.
As the family begins to trickle in, the smack-talking also begins. Every Christmas, we start the evening with our annual family kickball game, and this means serious business. My family is extremely competitive; not even the youngest is safe from being pelted with a kickball thrown from across the yard. The youngest cousins, who were five and six when this tradition began, are now teenagers, and this year, they are excited for the chance to be team captains. This tradition may seem silly to some, but it has become something meaningful and joyous in our family. It is a lighthearted, fun competition that is talked about all year long.
We excitedly gather for the highly anticipated dinner after the annual kickball game. My father always prepares the turkey and stuffing; my cousin Rachell masterfully makes the mashed potatoes, Grandma Judy makes the casserole, Aunt Lynn makes her famous cherry dump cake, and various other cousins prepare sides and fixings that fill the kitchen countertops. Everyone piles into the kitchen and the dining room as we hold hands while Uncle Tim blesses the food. Uncle Tim always says the best prayers as he thanks the Lord for the opportunity to have everyone together on Christmas day. After the prayer ends, the race begins, not to the turkey or to the ham, but to Aunt Lynn’s cherry dump cake. It is the first thing to go every year, so everyone sprints to the sheet pan, makes their dessert plates, and stashes them away until they are ready to eat dessert. Without fail, the cherry dump cake is the first thing to go every year.
For the next couple hours, after everyone has eaten and had a chance to catch up, the last game of the night begins: the box game. If you thought we were competitive over kickball, you have seen nothing yet. The box game consists of everyone gathering around a table to try to open a box, but not any ordinary box. This box has been tightly wrapped in packing tape, and inside you will find another box, also covered in packing tape. Inside that box is another box, and so on and so on. The goal is to be the person who opens the last box and pulls out the mini- Christmas stocking. But you can only try to open the box after rolling a six on the dice. After rolling the six, you must put on a beanie, a scarf, and mittens before taking your stab at opening the box. It becomes two hours of bonding, laughing, memory building, and pure childlike fun.
To some, traditions may seem boring and mundane. Others may prefer their evenings to be spent with more spontaneity. While I consider myself a spontaneous person, traditions such as these allow me to feel grounded and connected to my family. This one day of the year provides a sense of reliability, showing that no matter where we may be, as a family, we are still close and will also prioritize each other. My family’s traditions act as a reference line on a chart– unwavering, constant, and connecting us all.
GUEST BLOGGER, Tiffany Kochensparger’s essay was selected as the best in her Writing and Communication Class at Mercer College in Macon, Georgia, which is taught by Christina Harris. As a result, I excitedly agreed to post her essay on my HER Life Hacks blog.
My name is Tiffany Kochensparger. I was born and raised in Florida but have spent most of my adult life in Georgia after moving to Savannah as a military spouse. I am a branch manager at Navy Federal Credit Union and truly enjoy my job. At 28 years old, I decided to go to college and have been pursuing a Bachelor’s in Organization Leadership at Mercer University. In my free time, I enjoy hiking and watching football (Go Bulldogs).
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I’m Vicki Peel, former home economics teacher and educational administrator. If you are not receiving my emails, coupons, and freebies, go to my website – https://HERLifehacks.com, and pick up my free copy of HER Heritage HOMEwork Checklist. I will not share your information with anyone, and all the content you will receive as part of our community is free. I may occasionally promote someone else’s paid content, offer a product for your consideration or share an item that I think might be of use to you. However, you are under no obligation to purchase anything – ever.
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