How To Un-Deck The Halls

Greetings:

For me, the worst part of the holidays is when they are over. Not that I miss the holidays so much, I just hate cleaning up after them. Sure all the tinsel and lights looks festive and fun, but putting them away is anything but. Here are a few tips for taking the drudgery out of un-decking the halls.

First of all, you are not the only one who knows how or can un-decorate the halls, the living room and other areas of the home. Get the entire family involved. Assign each family member a section of the home to un-decorate and a date that it needs to be accomplished. That way everyone has a small piece of a large job and no one will feel overwhelmed. This is a great way to get everyone involved and teach each member responsibility.

Another group concept is to have an un-decorating party. A friend of mine has an annual New Year's Eve bash where the purpose is to UN-decorate As guest arrive, she hands them bags, boxes and other storage devices and assigns them an area. In a short time, the house is un-decorated and everyone celebrates.

If UN-decorating is overwhelming, it could be because you have over-decorated to begin with. Paring down and keeping things simple allows for a touch of the holiday spirit without taking hours to put up or take down. I have pared my decorating way down. My Christmas tree, totally decorated, is stored in a garbage bag in the back of the basement. When it is time to put up the tree, I simply remove the bag and fluff the tree. I have a special holiday village that flanks the fireplace mantel and a few other festive ornaments. That is it. It takes about an hour to put everything out and an hour to put everything away. It adds a special holiday touch to my home without overwhelming me. The best advice I can give is to figure out what works for you as far as paring down is concerned and then create a system of putting up and taking down that will work for you.

Another alternative is to hire someone to put up the decorations and then come and take them down. I have a friend that hires herself out during the holidays to people who are too busy to decorate their homes. She will use their decorations or even go and purchase new ones for them as needed. The home is professionally decorated, looks fabulous and, best of all, when the holidays are over she arrives to un-decorates and put everything away. No fuss or muss on the client's part. The same can be done with outdoor decorations.

While UN-decorating, notice what you need to replace and replenish for next year. Tinsel, tree ornaments, wrapping paper, and all holiday accoutrements go on sale after the holidays. This is a wonderful time to purchase everything you need for next year and save money and time. Holiday items are marked down 50% or more after the holidays and when you are getting ready for the holiday next year, you will have everything you need and won't have to go out to get a thing. Don't forget about holiday cards. This is the time to stock up.

Don't overlook purchasing a goodie or two. Not that you can save these for next year's holidays, but you will be able to get some of your favorites for an end of the year treat for a lot less. Every year after Christmas, I go to the Godiva Chocolatier and purchase a chocolate Santa for half price. Since I still have a few days until the New Year's diet, I get to enjoy one of my favorite treats, a Godiva chocolate, for a lot less. The same with other treats such as bagged holiday candy and baked goods. Enjoy these as an end of year treat feeling satisfied that you saved money.

UN-decorating doesn't have to be such a hassle if you get everyone involved and remember what the reason for the decorations were in the first place. The end of the holidays are simply the signal that a new year is right around the corner bringing with it gifts of new opportunity and possibilities. Enjoy the end, celebrate the beginning and enjoy the excitement the New Year brings.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle