Arlin found this on the Minimalists website and, with a new month approaching, and that month encompassing Advent, he suggested we play this little game together here on Dragonfly Ranch:

“Find a friend or family member. Someone who’s willing to get rid of some of their excess stuff. This month, each of you must get rid of one thing on the first day of the month. On the second, two things. Three items on the third. So forth, and so on. Anything can go! Clothes, furniture, electronics, tools, decorations, etc. Donate, sell, or trash. Whatever you do, each material possession must be out of your house—and out of your life—by midnight each day.

It’s an easy game at first. However, it starts getting challenging by week two, when you’re both jettisoning more than a dozen items each day. Whoever can keep it going the longest wins. You both win if you can make it all month. Bonus points if you play with more than two people.”

It has been an interesting challenge for the three of us. Each evening the box for the day must contain the appropriate number of items from each of us. First thing the next morning, the box is emptied into the appropriate container — trash or donate. And we move up one number. So far, we’ve divested ourselves of a total of 63 items over the past six days. We anticipate it may get a little more challenging as we get into the double digits. But then again, considering our pack rat sensibilities…..

We may have to try again for Lent.