Get your home ready to receive gifts by freeing up some space.
Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images
Is it the most wonderful time of the year or the messiest?
Its a hard call.
Photo:Tatiana Maksimova/Getty Images
Getting ready for Christmas isnt always easy (have you foundMom’s gift, yet?
), but taking a little time out to declutter Christmas essentials is important.
After all, you dont want to be left scrambling forsupplieson Christmas Eve.
While your holiday memories may last a lifetime, your ornaments probably won’t.
So, its a good idea to declutter them every year.
This especially applies to glass ornaments because theres nothing like cutting yourself on broken glass to ruin the festivities.
There are enough hazards this time of yearso its best to try and eliminate one.
Christmas Decor Thats Seen Better Days
Is your tinsel looking sparse?
Did your Elf On The Shelf fall last year and lose its hat?
Toss any Christmas decor thats not in good shape.
It doesnt look nice and most decor can easily be replaced with something higher quality that will last longer.
Life can be frustrating enough.
Fake Christmas Trees
In many ways, artificial Christmas trees are better than the real thing.
Theyre more affordable over the long term and you dont need to shop for one every year.
But, while they last longer than a month, theyreallydont last forever.
If your tree is missing a few branches or has fadedit might be time for something new.
Baking Supplies
Do you bake your famous Christmas cookies every year?
Remember, those snowflake cookie cutters dont last as long as your memories.
Go through yourholiday baking suppliesand check that all of your cookie cutters are still in tip-top shape.
Throw out anything thats broken and replace it before your next baking session.
Then scan your cake pans.
Anything with a worn-out, peeling or chipped non-stick coating should go.
Throw outanything past its expiration date.
Niche Holiday Attire
Are you going to an ugly sweater party?
Is your ugly sweater from last year still wearable or was it a moths snack in the off-season?
Peep your Christmas pajamas and holiday party wear.
Anything thats worn out or has rips or holes should be decluttered and replaced.
Same for the quarter inch of tape thats still left over.
Anything that cant be used should go.
