Time to Take the Tree Down

OK, we've all done it, but let's not do it this year. We all know people who still have the Christmas decorations up clear into March, but that's not going to happen this year. Yes, it's a big job, but you can do it fairly quickly and then you'll be done for another year.

My mother was quite superstitious and we should be horrified that I am keeping my tree up past the New Year. She felt that it would bring the spirit of the past year into the new year and Lord knows, 2008 has been gnarly enough, but I'm not as superstitious as she was. And I have a reason this year. We are having a New Year's Eve party and since we didn't really have anyone over during the holidays, I'd like people to see my pretty decorations before I store them all away. But I promise you, it is coming down no later than January 2nd! If nothing else, I want my living room back.

So, how to go about it? Well, there are two schools of thought here - a bit at a time, or the whole enchilada? I know myself and I know if I do it a bit at a time, I won't get back to it for days, so I always opt for the whole enchilada. If you want to do it a bit at a time, schedule 15 minute sessions once or twice a day with the goal to have it done by the end of the week.

If you're going to do it all at once, set aside an evening (like tonight!) when some of Santa's helpers will be around to help you. I have my husband and son do all the lugging of boxes up and down the stairs while I do the more delicate work of packing everything up so nothing gets broken. Most of my decorations are hand made and very precious to me, so I don't usually like for anyone else to put them away. Then if I break something, I can't get too mad at myself.

I use the empty boxes to store all my everyday decorations, so it's more like redecorating than undecorating. Keep a store of tissue paper or newspaper handy for the more delicate ornaments and be sure to put the heavier stuff on the bottom. Don't forget the outside decorations. Maybe not the lights until ice and snow go away, but be sure you get all the wreaths and stuff from outside. Don't forget to take one last sweep around the house before you put away the last box. There's nothing like forgetting one darn thing and having to dig everything back out to put it away. Or worse, having it hanging around the house all year.

That's it. Bye-bye for another year Christmas decorations. Go and have yourself a cup of hot cocoa. You've earned it.