“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” – William Morris, 19c designer and activist
Is it just me? Or does anyone else suffer from CWS: Christmas Withdrawal Syndrome?
Yes, the song “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day” was written especially for me. I realise not all ADHDers love that time of year, but for me it’s full of comfort. Conviviality, board games, cheesy tunes, classic movies, those in-between days when you drift around and don’t go on the work emails. Maybe also the memories of snowy Christmases from my Canadian childhood.
Yes, I’m the sentimental type, and it’s been hard to shake that Christmas mindset and move on. Just as it’s hard to let go of sentimental clutter around my house. I know I’m not the only one who struggles with this. Much of it represents loved ones who are no longer around, times that won’t return.
In recent months, and with the help of peer coaching networks, I’ve taken a few tiny steps forward with all this, so it’s not as bad as it was. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Accountability and body doubling really are invaluable when you’re stuck, especially with decluttering. This is almost universal for us ADHDers. What I’ve seen help most, for myself and others, is setting up a timed session where you and someone else, even a random person in Texas, work on just that task for half an hour to an hour. Booking the slot helps, as do timer devices and maybe some energising music. You may have heard all this before, but that’s because it really works.
Giveaways. I had the rush of releasing a load of framed posters we’ve had hidden behind the sofa for months, thanks to the Buy Nothing Facebook page for my small town. I swiftly had folk turn up at my door, exclaiming with joy over the things I was letting go and which would brighten up their flats. It was heartwarming to think these pictures would have happy new homes.
A vision of more space. Other stuff has gone to the charity shop, or where necessary to the recycling centre. I like to mentally measure the floor space they’ve released. I’m working my way up to parting with the more difficult items with the help of supportive friends or relatives. Keeping things that no longer serve us isn’t helping anyone. A clear vision of releasing space, of keeping only what genuinely helps or gives me pleasure (William Morris, above), is going to allow us to welcome our friends into our home with less panic, function better, and spend less time rummaging under bulging carrier bags and inside the overstuffed car boot trying to find that missing key. Is this something you can relate to?
Reclaiming conviviality. To replace the missing Christmas cosiness, I’ve embraced seasonal opportunities like Burns Suppers (you can do them anywhere, honest), singing at local music events and having folk round for board games by the fire again. Maybe I’m ready to let go of Christmas after all. Wish me luck.
Carol Stobie, Co-Director, Procrastination Station
Want ADHD-friendly help with all this decluttering stuff? We get it. Try our courses and coaching.
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