How to… Store Holiday Decorations

Are the holidays really over already? They seem to go by faster every year.  Some of us are anxious for things to get back to “normal”, and some of us… well, we’d leave the lights up all year ’round, if we could!

Though Christmas technically doesn’t end until January 6^th (the day of the wise men) for most of us, holiday celebrations are long gone.  Hanukkah and Kwanzaa have ended, and the Solstice has passed.  It’s the new year and time for new beginnings… and time to take down the winter holiday décor.

Here are some tips for putting away your holiday decorations so they’ll be stored safely and conveniently for next year:

Sort

Spread out all your decorations (including ones you didn’t use this year) on a table or other flat surface that you can use for sorting.  If you have a lot of decorations, you may have to use couches or counters or even spread things out on the floor.

Sort everything into categories – tree ornaments, knick knacks, Christmas, Hanukkah, lights, garland, candles, etc.

Look at each item and ask yourself if you still like it, if you used it this season, if you see yourself using it again, or if it still holds significance for you and your family.  If it’s special to you, how are you honoring that significance each holiday season?  (i.,e., is it being displayed and enjoyed or does it stay hidden in the attic?) If it doesn’t still have significance to you, maybe it’s ok to let that item go.  There are several options other than Goodwill for finding great homes for your no longer needed holiday decorations without wasting their beauty and usefulness.

The holidays are a time to honor traditions and memories, but it’s also helpful to remember that leaving some empty space allows new treasures to come into your life. Maybe you have grandkids who will soon start making ornaments for you, or you have an interest in a local artist whose work you’d like to display as part of your holiday decorating. Let go of the old to make room for the new!

Store

There are specialized storage containers for ornaments, wreathes, and delicate items.  If you want to invest in these containers, that’s fine.  But if you can’t or don’t want to purchase specialized storage, here are some tips:

Lights – roll on paper towel or gift wrap rolls (cut into 12 inch lengths), or create “rolls” out of cardboard from old boxes by folding a square piece of cardboard into a tube and securing with tape.  Cut a slit in each end of the cardboard tube.  Slide the end of the light string into this slit to secure.  Then wind the string around the tube.  You may need to make several “layers”, wrapping up and down the tube.  When you’re done, secure the end of the string in the slit at the other end of the tube.  Shortcut: you can easily pull out the plug end and plug it in to make sure the string of lights is working.

Garland or tinsel – place in plastic bags, or coil up and secure with a rubber band.

Delicate ornaments – wrap in tissue paper or paper towels.  Be sure to label the box these things are in very clearly so you’ll know to treat it with extra care.

Put everything away in appropriately sized storage bins.  Ideally, they should be clear so you can see what’s inside.  They should be easy to lift and put away/take down from wherever you’re going to store them.  Don’t forget to label your bins on TWO sides so the labels will be visible no matter how you store the bins.

Supplies you will need:

• Scotch tape
• Heave duty scissors or a box knife
• Rubber Bands
• Electrical tape (to repair any minor problems in light strings)
• Storage bins
• Paper towel rolls, gift wrap tubes, or cardboard pieces
• A labelmaker, or tape and a sharpie marker

3 Ways to Shop Locally and Reduce Stress

What were you doing this “Black Friday”? I was at home, warm and dry, not being pushed, shoved, or trampled, and avoiding any form of crowds other than the small crowd in my small kitchen as we prepared a yummy Thanksgiving meal! (My husband was on call Thursday, so we opted to eat on Friday instead.)

I understand that some people love the thrill of the hunt and relish the annual Black Friday shopping ritual, but personally, I just don’t get it! I enjoy the thrill of a discovering fabulous gifts locally. The more locally sourced and produced, the better.

When you shop locally, you give your local economy a boost, ease the burden on the environment, and reduce clutter and stress in your life.

• Local products are less likely to come wrapped in layers of packaging which causes frustration and then clutters up your home before heading to the landfill.
• Local handmade products are often sturdier (as opposed to inexpensive plastic toys or electronics). Plus, if something goes wrong, you’re more likely to get timely and satisfactory customer service from a local business.
• Local products usually won’t be found amid the crowds and noise of the malls and big box stores. Shopping locally is a calmer and quieter experience, which is a gift in itself!

In Bellingham, we have many wonderful local retailers and artists. Here are some of my favorite ways to connect with them:

Local Merchants

• Sustainable Connections – search for local businesses, including food and farms
• Fairhaven.com – businesses in the Fairhaven historic district
• Downtown Bellingham

Holiday Craft Fairs

• Pacific Arts Holiday Market
• Allied Arts “Festival of the Arts”

Shop online

• Etsy.com – “eBay for local handmade stuff”
• BidLocalFirst Auction – Sustainable Connection’s first online holiday auction

What are some of your favorite ways to shop locally and reduce holiday gift-related stress? Comment or send me your ideas!

Organizing With Your Pets In Mind

I saw the cutest thing while I was driving home today. A big Golden Retriever was sprawled out on the front lawn of a quaint farmhouse, watching the world go by, and snuggled up next to him was a black and white cat. Who says dogs and cats can’t be friends? I wished I could have taken a picture, but that would have been awkward, and I probably would have upset the happy pair in my attempt to photograph them.

But it warmed my heart, and reminded me of the special place that companion animals have in our lives. According to 2007 AVMA statistics, 37% of U.S. households are guardians of dogs, and 32% are guardians of cats. When you work on organizing projects, don’t forget to factor in your companion animals’ needs too. Chaotic environments and lack of a consistent routine are stressful for dog or cats, just like they are for us. Disorganization can also lead to your pet getting into something dangerous, like chocolate, that has been left within their reach.

A well organized household is a safer and happier place for all its inhabitants. Jesse and I are both big fans of animals, and we love to make spaces work well for both human and animal family members. Email me and ask about getting a free copy of our handout, “Organizing with Pets in Mind”. In addition to general pet-related organizing tips, it also has ideas for how to keep your pets safe during the holidays.

Now, go give your cat or dog a hug!