Well, we are now 10 days into 2011...Happy belated New Year!! Like so many others, I am deep into cleaning out closets, and "junk" that has been cluttering up my spaces and mind. So many blouses, pants, shoes, home decor, etc., that I have not worn or used in recent months (or ever, tags still attached) will soon find a new home with someone who hopefully will put these things to good use. I try every year as I put away my Christmas decorations and ornaments to go through all of them as well and weed out the things that are not used or no longer fit into my holiday theme/decor. This is difficult because we of course have sentimental attachments to our Christmas/holiday decorations because of the family memories attached to them. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying you should get rid of your grandmothers heirloom ornaments that she passed down to you or all of your childrens handmade ornaments that you cherish and enjoy looking at every year. I am however saying that you probably have several things that you are holding onto that have seen better days. They have become faded, frayed or just plain worn out. Those are the pieces and things that can go. Or the things that just do not fit into your theme any longer. Things that are in bad shape should just be thrown out, not donated. When I cleaned out this year I realized that I was holding onto enough garland to wrap the White House! All of it is in great shape and could be put to good use by several families, HA HA. I also donated a Santa suit that has not been used by our family in several years. I know why I was still hanging on to these things, even though they have been stored away in our attic and have not seen the light of day for quite sometime. Every year I would think...well, maybe next year (or some year) I will want to use all of this garland (Santa suit, etc.) and if I get rid of it I'll just have to go re-buy all of this again. Christmas and holiday decorations are so very easy to keep and hang onto year after year. Out of site, out of mind...right? Since most all of us buy and add to our holiday decorations every year, this is another great reason to weed through and get rid of things every year when you are putting things away until next year. If you know someone in your family (your adult children, sister, etc.) who you think would really want and or cherish these things then ask them first before donating them. This way they stay in the family and you still get to see them when you visit for the holidays. At one point several years ago, I collected the Dickens Villages and spent lots of money and time doing so. I no longer display these villages and haven't in some years. I am planning on passing these along to my sister-in-law as she and my brother have 3 little ones and these villages would look wonderful on their fireplace mantle. AND I still get to enjoy them...but my sister-in-law gets to dust them!! Since I did indeed get rid of several boxes of holiday decorations (including a couple of really pretty wreaths...I bought new ones this year) I feel good about my attic now being in good order. Great rule of thumb is when you bring something new into your home, get rid of at least as many items as you bring in new. Heres to a lighter, less "stuff", less cluttered 2011. Happy Sprucing!!!! |
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