As you prepare your home for the holidays, you might be going through your decorations and wondering…
“Why the hell do I keep all this stuff?”
Over the years, decorations can accumulate and what’s difficult about getting rid of them is that they often have some sentiment attached (like the macaroni ornament you made in kindergarten).
Every year when I decorate, there are always things that don’t make the cut. Then I pack them back up again, store them for another year, and start the cycle all over.
This is actually a great time to declutter and get rid of things you don’t need or haven’t used in years. Here are some suggestions.
Pass Them Down
Take out the things you don’t think you want and put them aside for when your kids come to visit for the holidays. Ask them if they want any of it (don’t force it on them); if they’re just starting out they might be grateful for some decorations and if they’re not quite on their own, let them know you’ll put what they’ve chosen aside for them. After all, you never know what is sentimental to them (maybe they love your macaroni ornament).
Exchange Them
Ask your friends, book club, or pickleball group if they might be interested in doing a décor exchange. Someone might be looking to refresh their look, and they might have something perfect for your home. It’s a win-win!
Donate Them
I know that some people have a hard time just giving away something that might have some meaning but think of this: there could be a family out there who would LOVE to find these things at a resale store. Think of your own early years, trying to cobble together a lovely holiday on a budget. Weren’t you excited to find something good?
Keep the Momentum Going
When the holidays are over and you’re putting your “regular” stuff out, this is a good time to keep the decluttering going. Look around and really think about what’s still giving you joy or what’s just taking up space. This is a great way to start the new year off fresh!
