Five Easy Steps to Cure Your Home’s Holiday Hangover

That magical holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day is one of my favorite times of the year. In our house, we put Christmas decorations up the day after Thanksgiving every year. (Mostly because I’m as excited as a kid about it.) 

By the time New Year’s Day rolls around, though, I’m just SO SICK of looking at it all. Everything feels cramped, cluttered, and overdone. I want it all put away. NOW. So, I pack everything up and spend about a week enjoying the clean emptiness left behind. The problem is—much like a new year’s resolution to go on a ridiculously strict diet—that feeling doesn’t last. What I really want is something fresh and new. 

So, what’s a girl to do when her home has a holiday hangover?

Step 1

As much as you may want to just stuff everything into boxes and throw them in the attic, take the time to carefully pack up all of your holiday décor and label everything clearly. This will save you countless hours of time and frustration next year – Future You will thank Past You for taking the time to untangle the lights and label the heirloom ornaments. 

Step 2

Embrace the emptiness for a few days. You need the time to detox from the overload of color and texture and all the extra STUFF. It might seem a little drab, but this time gives you a dose of perspective and gives you space to develop a new plan.

Step 3

Remember all those throw pillows and accessories that you took out to make room for your holiday décor? Don’t go sticking them all right back where they were before. Now’s the perfect time to ditch the pieces that you don’t love. If it’s not meaningful, beautiful, or useful, you probably don’t need it – so pack away, donate, or toss it!

Step 4

Ease back in slowly. Start by only putting your very favorite items back out. You might just find out that less is more!

Step 5

Bring in some fresh décor items. Keep things light and easy with soft colors and textures. The new items will complement the old, and provide a new excitement to the room. 

Now all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy!