By Mary Lynne Murray
Reprinted from Contra Costa Times, December 21, 2002
WHETHER YOU plan to undeck the halls the day after Christmas,
or wait until after the New Year, packing up the holidays is best
done in an organized fashion.
–
Take pictures of holiday decorations, beautifully styled or not,
and keep them in an envelope taped to the inside of a decorations
box. (Note "Holiday Decoration Photos" on the outside
of the envelope and box.) The photos will help you remember what
looked best when you decorate next year.
–
Begin dismantling the tree by removing all ornaments and laying
them on a large table. Repair broken items and discard worn-out
ones. Box up tired, old, outdated ornaments to give to charity
or sell in a garage sale. Consider buying red-and-green plastic
boxes with lids and divided compartments, which are ideal for
storing ornaments.
–
Check light strings and replace burnt-out bulbs. Wrap the strands
around cardboard tubes or squares, or buy plastic boxes with frames
designed to store lights, garland and extension cords without
tangling. Label the box or container. (Put outdoor lights in a
separate box marked "Outdoor Lights/Decorations.") Remove
garlands and store them as you did lights, then remove tinsel
and store in its own container. Discard garlands made of fresh,
edible material that might attract vermin.
–
While you're folding up the tree skirt (does it need to be washed?),
have a fresh pair of eyes check for missed ornaments. Don't forget
the tree topper. Remove the tree from its stand and take it outside
for recycling. Dump any water in the stand, wash and dry well,
then pack it away.
– Check each room in the house for decorations that need
storing. Don't forget the entry, guest bath, kids' rooms, kitchen
and mantel. Then go outside and collect decorations, lights and
wreaths and box them up.
–
Label a separate box to hold holiday tableware, towels, candy
bowls, unused paper plates and napkins and containers or bags
for baked goods. This is extra-helpful if kitchen cupboard space
is tight. As always, consider recycling old items, especially
if you did not use them this year. Take advantage of post-holiday
sales to upgrade your collection.
– Since you need access to these boxes just once a year,
put them in a remote closet (I put mine in the space below the
stairs). Avoid storing them in the attic or garage, since temperature
fluctuations can be extreme.
–
Don't store holiday candles with decorations. Their scent can
attract vermin, and any heat will warp tapers. Instead, keep them
with other candles.
– Don't throw out the cards you received this year. Send
them to the card-recycling program at St. Jude's Ranch for Children,
100 St. Jude's St., Boulder City, NV 89005. The used card fronts
help make "new" cards. Or reuse the cards yourself.
Cut the greeting side off, punch a hole in the corner, and tie
with ribbon as a gift tag next year.
– Take inventory of your paper goods: greeting cards, gift
wrap and gift tags. If supplies are low, replenish them now from
all the half-off sales. A long, flat under-bed box makes ideal
storage. Buy transparent boxes, so you can identify the Christmas
wraps from the box of all-occasion wraps. Use a third box for
bows, ribbon and tags. Include tape, scissors and a pen in that
box.
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