I've Collected Far Too Much Holiday Décor: It's Time to Change

Recently, I took the initiative to drape my faux, battery-powered garlands around the entrance and railings of our house.

After some time spent aligning everything just right, satisfaction dawned when I stepped back to view the decorations. Outside, I'd already arranged some cushions featuring festive trees on our outdoor furniture. I adorned chairs with artificial wreaths finished with bright red bows and assembled glowing deer figures to add sparkle at night.

The Overload of Holiday Ornaments

Although our home didn’t quite echo the glamor of a movie-set holiday home, it was certainly eye-catching from the street.

Inside, my excitement dwindled as I encountered a mountain of plastic containers filled with even more holiday trinkets. I pondered over where else I could possibly display these things.

My shelves, window ledges, and even the tree were at capacity. The mantel was covered with pine cones, candles, and a nutcracker. Every nook seemed overwhelmed with baubles, tinsel, and snow globes.

Resorting to Online Purchases for Festive Decor

In March 2020, circumstances necessitated a move to a bigger house, requiring room for our new au pair from Chile. The COVID-19 pandemic hit soon after her arrival, casting a shadow. To lift spirits, especially during Easter, I turned to online shopping since physical stores like HomeGoods were shut.

My shopping cart soon filled with egg-shaped ornaments and rabbit figurines. My au pair and kids, who were 12 and 10, noticed and valued these efforts. I replicated this theme for Halloween and once more for Christmas.

Embracing Holiday Spirit Yet Feeling Smothered

From 2020 to 2024, acquiring festive decorations became somewhat habitual. Despite the time-consuming task of retrieving items from storage, decorating was enjoyable.

This year, I refrained from buying anything new, as instructed by my high school senior daughter who isn't as enamored with holiday décor.

Facing the Realization: A Home Crammed with Clutter

The reality struck abruptly, leaving a sense of suffocation. Just how had I accumulated so much?

Thoughts of the post-holiday cleanup, involving packing everything away again, became overwhelming.

Considering Professional Help for De-Cluttering

The embarrassment of our cluttered space took away the joy of hosting friends, transforming it into something akin to a hoarder’s home.

Although the idea of professional organizers crossed my mind, their costs were prohibitive.

Resolving to tackle this myself, I plan a post-Christmas weekend dedicated to sorting. I’ll give away half of what I have through a local Facebook group. Anything left will head to the trash, ensuring this crowded feeling is a thing of the past.