You have worked hard to make everything go perfect at Christmas and everything was impeccably splendid. You are feeling the joy of the job getting done but then you still have a lot of cleaning to do. All that can be quite grueling but with a little strategy you can do it in a stress-free manner and keep the joy for longer.
Keep a good attitude
It is in fact a lot of work on top of a lot of work. But if you look at it this way you may start getting annoyed in advance at every gift unwrapped or at each champagne glass broken. It is a lot of work, but it is a lot of blessing first of all. Keep in mind there is a lot to be thankful for. That is actually the best way to start any project, and if you have that attitude, you are ready to start a new year as well.
Portion your goals
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when we look at whole cleaning as one single task. So it’s always a good strategy to slice things up. Go step by step and divide the whole process into mini goals. Small victories, right? Give yourself a little reward for each task done like a frappuccino, for example.
Give away
This can actually be done before Christmas, but if you and the kids have gotten a lot of presents, it’s time to donate what has become too much. Decluttering is cleansing. It will make you feel refreshed to enter the new year. Put it all in boxes and schedule a pick up. Or have a garage sale!
Keep a reminder of the holiday out for a bit longer
A centerpiece, an arrangement or even your favorite cards. That will not only eliminate one task off your list but it is also a good way to remember how much you have to be thankful for.
Get a box for ornaments and roll the tree
Roll the tree (if it’s a natural one) or take it apart and have a box next to you for all the ornaments to be saved for next year. If it’s a natural, schedule for pickup, otherwise, have a different box for the artificial tree. And don’t forget about the small reward prize.
Get the kids to work with you
Get playful, assign roles and make a contest. Have small prizes, too. It is often fun to have kids working with you, or at least it is better than having them distract you or get in your way.
Appreciate the Space Gained
At each step, each goal accomplished, observe how good it is to have free space once again. Decluttering is cleansing, remember? It’s soul refreshment.
Be Grateful
It all starts with gratitude, you have heard that before, right? But that doesn’t mean gratitude stops there. Be grateful for being able to celebrate Christmas, for the gifts of love, for family, for health. Turn the cleaning process into one more opportunity to be thankful for all you have.
Don’t let things worry you in advance. Enjoy and celebrate this great moment for hope, thankfulness and for wishing well. Don’t let the perspective of having to clean up dread you. Ever!
How do you usually clean up after Christmas? Has this post been helpful and/or inspiring to you? Share your thoughts through our Facebook page.
