Just because you love Christmas doesn’t necessarily mean you have space to deck the halls.
If Christmas clutter doesn’t bring joy to your world, these simple tips will help you stay sane over the holiday period.
Make a wall-mounted Christmas tree
DIY Christmas trees are becoming increasingly popular, with some families opting to mount tree-shaped decorations on the wall rather than installing an actual tree.
With the finished product being flush to the wall, there’s no need to clear a space for bulky branches, and as an added bonus it’s safe from being torn down by clumsy toddlers or tree-attacking pets.
Should decorating the wall be too much effort or you’re worried about damaging paint and wallpaper, a narrow Christmas tree is another way to ensure you still have something to decorate and put presents beneath while taking up far less room.
Otherwise, poinsettias are an option to help bring the Christmas spirit to the home without taking up valuable floor space.
Focus on gift quality over quantity
Prevent the boxes piling up by purchasing big-ticket items rather than loads of smaller, less meaningful gifts. Alternatively, experience gifts take up no space at all and minimal wrapping paper. Activities, services or a charitable donation are the perfect present for that family member who wants for nothing.
Should you find yourself on the receiving end of an unwanted gift that will take up valuable room in your home, don’t feel guilty about re-gifting. As for all those cards wishing you ‘Season’s Greetings’, make the most of them by including them in your Christmas décor and dressing up a bookshelf or mantelpiece.
Don’t grocery shop without a list
As well as receiving excess gifts on Christmas, it’s common to find yourself with a surplus of food leftovers too. Practise mindful grocery shopping by taking a well-prepared list to the supermarket. When you don’t know how much you’ll need to cater for your guests, this handy dinner party calculator will help.
If you do end up with too much food on your hands, transform your leftovers with this delicious leftover menu planner.
