UnDeck The Halls: Organization after the Holiday Rush
You have "decked the halls", "hung the stockings with care" and danced around the kitchen with plates of food while kicking around the wrapping paper. Hope you experienced the joys and blessings of Christmas and the holidays.
Now what? Better yet, when?
When do you pull out those ornament boxes? How long is this going to take? The bows, wreathes and garland, do I really have to take that down on a cold January day?
The answers are personal to you, your family and whatever your timeliness may be. Here are a few hints on how best the manage the post- holiday "undecking of the halls" to packing up securely for next year.
If the cat ran up the tree and broke some ornaments, that's easy just throw those away and you'll have more space. If the dog mistook the Christmas tree skirt for the great outdoors and it can't be washed, throw it away.
Place the heirloom ornaments whether they are the salt-dough, the silver bells, those tiny childhood handprints of reindeer or grandma's glass icicles into their own boxes/tote first, wrapping each individual with bubble wrap or tissue paper. Don't forget to take the hooks off each ornament to prevent scratching. Label these boxes clearly "Family Ornaments/ Breakables".
The collection ornaments from decades ago shall all be wrapped individually and secured in an airtight tote which can be purchased with sectional units from many local retailers.
Next put the "replaceable" ornaments in a box or tote. These are the less expensive ornaments that can easily be replaced next year if the colors fade, they break or you decide to decorate in another style.
Those beautiful holiday villages that adorn many buffet tables and coffee tables should be wrapped individually in their own boxes/tote and any figurines from that display. Label and if you like your decorations in the same place next time, then write which room of the house it returns to next year.
The holiday china, crystal and table settings need to be hand washed and either air dried or hand dried to prevent stickiness, stains and water marks. Wrap each breakable piece in bubble wrap or tissue paper so they are secure in a sturdy tote.
Bed and bath linens should be washed, ironed and placed in an airtight drawer for next year.
Let's don't forget how much you made "spirits bright" this holiday. Check to make sure each light strand works, if not discard or spend time looking for the burnt out bulb to replace. Keep indoor/outdoor lights organized separately for next year and safety. Many retail stores have cord organizers so invest in those or do it grandpa's way and roll lights on an old newspaper, paper towel roll or a sturdy piece of wood. Roll the lights so both ends can be connected to prevent the lights from unrolling.
Those beautiful and characteristics yard decor, you know the nativity scenes, Santa's, Grinches, hanging stars, inflatables. They should all be cleaned from dirt, leaves and dampness before packing them up. This will help prevent mold, mildew and preserve the yard decor for use next year. Wrap these in plastic trash bags, original bags or totes. They should be in weather resistant enclosures. Check the weather forecast to determine best day to undecorated the outside.
If you used real trees shaking then helps remove any ornaments hidden. The city picks up real trees curbside and those in the county often use them as shelter & feeding trees for winter birds. Remember if you used a real Christmas tree wipe off each ornaments to make sure it's doesn't have sticky ralsam/sap on it before wrapping.
Storing Christmas is the attic is not recommended unless it's climate controlled which most attics are not. Extreme heat can melt ornaments, burst batteries (best to take out of those electric ornaments), melt candles and fade those brilliant Christmas colors.
Designate an entire closet or room to storing your holiday decor. This will be easier to access next year too.
Lastly, this is your last Christmas in the family home and downsizing begins in 2023, then label boxes of ornaments and decorations based on
who is taking them if you will not have enough room in the next home. Keep series together,
childhood ornaments returned to your children and grandchildren. Don't divide the China it's worth more to keep the entire pattern together unless you have equal amounts for full place settings to be given.
Enjoy 2023 once 2022 is a wrap!
Melissa Darr
Generational Transitions
Post-Holiday Organizing for Daily Living
Lexington, NC
