The flurry of Christmas events have passed. If you find yourself on the couch catching your breath viewing the aftermath of Christmas joy left to be dealt with, you are not alone. Once the aftermath is cleared, you will be able to step into the coming new year with confidence. Reconfiguring the process to get to that place isn’t hard. You may just need a little encouragement and a game plan to begin. So, let’s get started on clearing out the aftermath of Christmas together.
Make A List
Start by making lists to begin the tasks of clearing away the aftermath of Christmas. List making helps avoid feeling overwhelmed by setting a plan of action in place. Start by choosing the top issues to deal with. Delegate tasks if possible. Many hands make work light. To reconfigure the aftermath of Christmas choose to first deal with these:
- Find a home for each newly gifted item and relocate it there. Clearing gifted items leaves what is left to deal with.
- Trash detail. Gather wrapping paper as it is coming off. The packaging boxes, ties, and plastic that often requires scissors or tools to open now remain. Paying a little extra attention to this task can save much heartache later from accidentally tossing out a needed part. It is amazing how much space is cleared by just taking out the trash.
- Food storage. An overabundance of food is usually left in the aftermath of Christmas. Very reminiscent of Thanksgiving and it can be just as overwhelming. There is only so much room in the refrigerator and only so much time before food goes bad. Determine what needs to be eaten first. Decide if a food item can be frozen next. Thirdly, share extra deserts with friends, family, and neighbors. Lastly, toss it in the trash.
- Wipe down surfaces with a disinfecting solution. Mop floors with the same. COVID variants are still around to consider.
- Make a plan to take down and store Christmas decorations. Purchase storage containers specifically for wreaths, ornaments, gift paper, and light strands to help organize your efforts.
Keep A Christmas Notebook
Take note of what worked really well and what didn’t pan out so great this Christmas. Write it down in a notebook or journal now to use next year. Information is easily forgotten over the span of a year. Writing down ideas now will keep traditions possible and make the set up process smoother in the future. Information to record would be:
- What needs to be replaced.
- How many of an item is needed.
- What area is best suited for a certain decoration.
- Best place to buy items.
- Christmas card list.
- Gift recipient list.
- Family Games
- Fun Activities
- Christmas traditions and recipes.
Take Down The Christmas Decorations
Though this is a large task to accomplish it doesn’t have to be done all at once in a single day. Break it down into bite sized pieces and accomplish the task as your energy and time allow. Work smarter. Be good to yourself in the process no matter what age you are or the level of responsibilities you carry. Solicit the help of family members to make the job of clearing the aftermath of Christmas go by faster. Break it down into categories like:
- Outdoor lights, wreath, and decor. Take advantage of a good weather day to accomplish this. Promptly store away.
- Room by room. Choose a room to start with and completely remove all Christmas decor and put it away. Move onto another room until the whole house is done.
- Christmas tree. Say goodbye to its beauty until next year. Take the time to put away breakable ornaments and store them carefully.
- Mantle decor. Often the focal point second only to the dining room table and Christmas tree.
- Wrapping paper, gift bags, and Christmas cards
Step Into The New Year
Now that the aftermath of Christmas joy has been reconfigured you can step into the coming new year with confidence. A clean slate has been set out. Thankful for the God given blessings received in the past year, we look forward to the blessings that God will give in the new year. Draw near to God for wisdom, good health, prosperity and His will for your life as you step into the new year of 2022. Set goals for yourself. Make a New Year’s resolution or two. Do your best to keep them. Heartfelt blessings to you all! Happy New Year! Stay safe!
Always very encouraging and uplift information. Thanks for sharing.
You sure a smart woman, only God could give you such wisdom