10 Things To Declutter This Christmas Holiday

Our calendars and homes can get very full around the festive season. Christmas parties, extra cooking and organising gifts can make our lives feel crowded. A good crowded, but crowded, nonetheless. As things start to wind down and we move into the relaxing part of the festive season, I encourage you to look around your home. Now is the perfect time to clear out the festive excess. Let’s face it, if you haven’t used or intended to use your festive paraphernalia in the last month, you likely never will.

Here are 10 things I suggest you declutter this holiday season.

Complete this declutter as you pack up the Christmas tree, before you head to the beach (for those of us seaside inclined), or as you prepare for the new work year. It doesn’t matter when you complete your Christmas declutter, I just recommend giving it a go. 

It doesn’t matter when you complete your Christmas declutter, I just recommend giving it a go.

1. Broken or tired Christmas decorations

Are all the decorations in your Christmas box truly display ready? It is very likely that you have a few pieces that have passed their use-by date. Broken ornaments, aged wreaths and wilting tinsel can go.

2. Joyless holiday cards

Sharing holiday cards is one of my favourite Christmas traditions. I love sending and receiving cards. However, it is important to only keep the cards we love and are proud to send. If you are holding onto a few ugly cards, (you know the ones in the pack you really don’t like), it is okay to let them go. You recycle, upcycle, or compost them. Spread joy, not mediocre cards!

3. Serveware that will not come out

If you don't use the fancy serving ware at Christmas, then when will you use it? Most families treat the Christmas feast as the most important meal of the year. If your special pieces didn’t come out in December, ask yourself if you really want them. Some families find switching up the plates too much trouble, and that’s fine. Just make sure you let go of the special set and drop the guilt of not using it. Real estate in your home is valuable, don’t make space for dinner sets you will never use.

4. Scratchy Christmas jumpers

We know they look great on American movies and at the Hogwarts Christmas banquet, but it’s hot in Australia this time of year and woollen jumpers are not the attire of choice. If your cupboard has been storing a scratchy Christmas jumper for 11 months, only to see it worn for five minutes before being thrown on the floor, it is probably time to switch it for a festive t-shirt. Check out your local op shop, they have plenty of wonderful holiday get-ups.

6. Uninspiring Christmas recipes

Cookbooks can pile up. I see it all the time. In fact, I am yet to meet a client who hasn’t uttered the words, “I own cookbooks I never use”. The trick is to only keep cookbooks that inspire you to cook. This is especially important for Christmas cookbooks as they serve only a fraction of the year. Scan your Christmas recipes and let go of anything uninspiring. You never know, it might make the ones you own feel even more joyful.

7. Holiday craft that will never be completed

Cookie cutters, piping bags, pudding pots, rolling pins with candy canes are all great if they are used. Many kitchens have a drawer or two piled with excess cookware. It’s time to declutter any festive cookware you either never use or intend on using.

8. Uninspiring Christmas recipes

If you are like me, you feel extra crafty around November 28, but by December 21 half made stockings and Christmas hats don’t have the same appeal. Only keep the craft you are inspired to complete. Anything half-made, that feels heavy or burdensome, even if you have been holding onto it for years, let it go. All crafts, especially Christmas crafts should feel joyous.