Properly Packing Christmas Decorations

Typically, I put up our Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving each year. And, typically, I am upset with myself for not taking the time to properly pack my Christmas decorations the year before. I am always excited to decorate the house for Christmas, yet I usually dread getting the boxes from the garage because I know that not all of the lights may work, ornament hooks can be tangled into a great ball, and the artificial tree limbs have lost their color-coding years ago. Last year, I vowed to properly pack our Christmas decorations so that putting the decorations up this year would be easier. And while I did make sure all of the lights worked before I put them away, I have since found other ways to properly pack Christmas decorations, and will use those tips this year.

Here are some things that you can do to properly pack away your Christmas decorations:

• Artificial trees. If you use an artificial tree, then you know that the stub of each branch is color-coded and that the color can wear away over the years. Before putting your tree limbs in the box, repaint the color using nail polish, and then you won't be confused about where the branches go on the tree. If you still have the instruction sheet that came with the tree, make sure that it stays with the tree.
• Decorations. When removing decorations from walls, doors, and wherever else you have them, label them on the back or bottom as to location, and then label the outside of the box as to where you typically place them. This way when it's time to decorate next Christmas you can know what is in each box and where to place those decorations.
• Ornaments. Place ornaments back into their original boxes and leave the hooks on the ornaments. Use needle-nosed pliers to close the gap on the hook so that the hook does not fall off the ornament. If you don't have the original ornament box, wrap each ornament in bubble wrap or layers of paper toweling. Then place the ornaments side-by-side into a storage bin.
• Lights. An old broom handle can be used to store Christmas tree lights. Wind the lights around and around the handle, the length of the handle, and then secure with masking tape. Store the wound lights in a corner of your garage or attic.
• Candles. Wrap candle tapers in bubble wrap and store in a cool place. Clean wicks and wax from candles before storing away.
• Wreath. Use a garbage bag to store a wreath, securing the open end before storing the wreath away for the season.
• Organize. Make a master list of all of your Christmas decorations that includes the location where you place them in the house each year, and the location of where you store them each year.

Reuse the tissue paper that comes inside your presents to wrap any breakable or delicate Christmas decorations. Always remove exterior Christmas lights, since leaving them on your house all year long may cause them to break. If you no longer have the original box for your artificial tree, use a large rubber trashcan to store it.