Let me be totally upfront with you about something…I loathe and I mean loathe taking Christmas lights and decor down and packing it away for next year.
In order to add some joy to taking down Christmas, I think we should first unpack a bit why we LOVE Christmas so much.
Reasons we LOVE Christmas so much!
- People seem to be a bit kinder, happier, and generally more joyful this time of year.
- The lights…let’s be honest…the lights are full of cutting through that winter and spiritual darkness and it’s very comforting.
- The hope and promise of what is to come.
- The music and movies of Christmastime.
- More family time.
OK so now that we have that list above about why we love Christmas so much, and yes, I realize there are a gazillion more reasons, let’s dive into how we can use THAT list to infuse some holiday cheer and joy into taking down Christmas this year.
5 Ways to add joy into taking down Christmas
1. Since we mentioned people seem to be a bit kinder, then let’s take that and roll with it and let’s keep the kindness going ourselves.
This can look like many different things like…..finding a neighbor outside to offer to help with the takedown of their lights, or by offering to help your own family in the garage putting everything away, or offering to vacuum once the tree is down. Do all this with great joy in your heart.
2. I have a GREAT solution for the “missing the lights” problem. Don’t take them all down!!
Yes, you heard me right. I leave many strands of white lights up year-round to give that extra level of peace and warmth and comfort. I leave a strand or two on our patio, one in our master bedroom over our window, one in our dining nook over our window, and my girls even leave a strand of brightly colored lights over their window year-round. I am referring to the inside of course when I mention the rooms. It is so peaceful and easily helps solve the light problem. My mom always did this and I found it to be so beautiful and now I totally understand why she did it. We are drawn to lights, I believe, because He is the One True Light and cuts through all the darkness. Lights offer a sense of seeing, hope, and comfort.
3. With the hope and promise of what is to come being something we love about Christmas, then make a plan for some near-future fun and for long term goals!
This can look so simple and precious. Maybe once all the decorations are down and put away, you make a deal to take the kids to the local park or outback and play a game. Getting outside can combat some of that doom and gloom of putting away the decorations. Or, maybe you and your better half (at least that’s what I call my guy) head off to a favorite spot whether that’s a restaurant, or store, or movie to celebrate. Long term goals are so important too…not like a resolution, but like something you really want to accomplish FOR YOU and you set a timeline and make a plan. All of these are great ways to combat missing that hope and promise as you are now making your own hope and plans.
4. Since we love the music and movies of Christmastime so much, why not have them play while you are taking the decorations down?
Have your favorite Christmas music streaming on a portable speaker outside while you take down the exterior decorations. Have some wassail on the stove and Christmas movies or music playing inside while taking the tree down. Make it a festive event so it’s not quiet and boring and depressing. Fill the air with Christmas smells, sounds, and sights so that once all the decor is down, you still have some sounds and smells of Christmas!
5. We love family time during the holiday season, right? Well then be sure this is a family affair and everyone is involved to make yet another memory together!
While you are all together, ask each person what some of the highlights of the holiday season were for them. When they are done ask them to write down notes so that you can be sure to try to always include some of their favorite traditions, or music in the holiday season. Also, as you are asking them what some of their favorite times were, be making mental notes so you can be preparing for the New Year and for future holiday celebrations.
That’s all for now, and I know it was short, but I wanted to take a moment just to encourage us all, that our hearts can stay filled with the hope and promise that is Christmas year-round. We don’t have to put the lights out in our hearts, just because there are no more Christmas lights around town or in our homes.
As a Christmas gift from our family to yours, please accept this FREE PRINTABLE to keep as a reminder of how to add joy into your taking down Christmas this year and every year!
Comment below with some of your favorite family traditions when it comes to putting Christmas away until next year and if you used any of the ideas above and how they worked for you and your family!
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