Christmas Cleanup

The days  following Christmas I take down the tree and store away all the decorations.

I drag out all the boxes and try to get things done as quickly as possible. Our homes interior takes the better part of a day. The exterior goes more quickly as there is only lights and wreaths. And much of the exterior greenery goes to a compost pile.

Here are things I do that make it easier for next years Christmas Season.

I separate things in containers marked with items contents.

A storage box for ornaments  help keeps bulbs safe from breakage and more organized. You could buy a box that has compartments for individual bulbs but I just line the inside of mine with leftover packaging material we've received. My breakable bulbs I wrap in paper and the plastic  and Styrofoam bulbs I don't fret about.

Once the ornaments are off the tree. It is bare except for the lights.

 All figurines are placed in a box.

The manger goes into a box lined with packing material.

Flower, berries and picks all go together in a box.

Bows and ribbons go into plastic bags ( frayed ones can be discarded). Garland goes into plastic tubs. Beads go into box. Snowflakes fit well into a small plastic container.  I use one from dollar tree.

Wreaths are encased in plastic and hung on pegs in the closet.

Hooks hangers and other tiny objects can go into and organizer. I use a tackle box. Candles are stored out of light, and in a cool area to preserve color. Storage bags or vacuum storage bags  are  used for Holiday object such as tablecloths, tree skirts, stockings,  napkins, pillows and blankets.

Gift paper is stored in a box.

The Christmas Trees are returned to their original boxes.

Lights are wrapped individually. I string them around a piece of card board and secure and label. Interior verses exterior and where they are used such as; the icicles for front porch or the blanket lights for 4 yews.  the  family room shelves, primitive cupboard, hutch lights, etc. When all is boxed, they are ready to be stored in the closet until next Christmas Season.