Storage for Christmas Decorations

As I begin to contemplate taking down my Christmas tree (yup, its still up!) and putting away my other holiday decorations, I started thinking about the storage and organization of my Christmas decorations.

I use the big plastic storage bins for my items, and try to group the contents of each box by category: items for the Christmas tree, decorations for certain rooms, miscellaneous. But often, decorations are stuffed into whatever tub has room. But the tubs aren't clear, and I don't label them, so its always a bit of a surprise as to what is inside.

I do have a separate, smaller tub with dividers for ornaments. Inevitably, though, there are the ornaments that don't fit into the partitions. I save boxes, such as those from 100-calorie snack packs, for those larger ornaments and stick them in the "tree tub."

I do have one Christmas wreath I use for the door- right now, it is shoved into a tub too. Is it worth it to buy the separate wreath holders? And don't get me started on my wrapping paper! The rolls are shoved, standing up, in the back of my coat closet! Definitely room for improvement there!

What are your best practices in regards to storing these items (often many of which are sentimental, treasured, and/or fragile). Especially considering that they are only pulled out and used once a year?

Decorations Still Around?!

"Did you see the Plaza Lights?!?!"

Unfortunately, no... I arrived in Kansas City this week- one day after the big holiday lights decorations were turned off at the Plaza. “Its really a great thing to see- the lights and decorations are beautiful!” my colleague told me. I can’t believe I missed it by one day- the lights are even still on the buildings, just not turned on. And counting by the number of people who asked me if I saw them, the display must be spectacular!

But it seems to me that visible Christmas decorations are much more widespread at this late date than in previous years. In the past few days, I have seen holiday lights decorating houses, large blow-up Santas standing in several yards, and bows and wreaths everywhere.

Have you noticed more Christmas decorations around, even though we’re past the halfway point in January? I think part of the phenomenon is attributed to the cold and snow that much of the country experienced in early January. Any other explanations?

As for me, my Christmas tree is still lit and decorated, but I’ve taken down all other holiday decorations. I still haven’t set a date for putting away the tree- partly because I love my tree, and partly because it takes so much effort to put away!

Food Recipe: Blackeyed Pea Salsa

My aunt made this super-easy dip/salsa for our Christmas get-together this year, and I loved it. We used Fritos to dip, but the salsa would be really tasty with pita chips. I've also spread the salsa in regular pita bread for an easy lunch to take to work. And it stores well- nice for making a day ahead of time!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 can blackeyed peas (washed and drained)
• 1/4 cup chopped onion (I also like to add scallions)
• 1/3 cup each of green and red peppers
• 3 slices of jalapeno peppers chopped
• 1 small can green chiles

DIRECTIONS:

Combine the ingredients in a bowl. Pour Italian dressing over the mixture- how much you use is really up to you. I just lightly coat the ingredients. Mix the ingredients and dressing together and let set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

12 Days of Christmas are Over

Today, January 6, marks Epiphany: the date when the three wise men visited baby Jesus and also the end of the 12 days of Christmas. So I guess the holiday season is really over...

Given the season is wrapping up, I'm also going to slow down my updates. Look for a new update every Wednesday- so no more daily notes, but still continuing throughout the year. In the meantime, feel free to catch up on the archives! I'll pick up the daily updates again when we are 100 days out from Christmas 2010 (thats September 16, if you're counting!).

Thanks again for reading- I had a blast putting this site together this year! Hopefully you enjoyed as well!

See you January 13!

New Years Resolutions

While not directly Christmas-related, the topic of making New Years resolutions is holiday-related, so I wanted to spend a few moments on the subject!

I think I make resolutions every year! I am naturally a planner and list-maker, so New Years just gives me another opportunity to indulge. For 2009, I was successful in some resolutions (travel to Europe), not so much in others (fit into my 'skinny' jeans on Dec. 31).

So what are my resolutions for this year? I'd like to be more healthy overall (see: not fitting into 'skinny' jeans!)- eat more natural foods, less snacking, relieve stress, try yoga. But I didn't make my 2010 goals as measurable as last year. I guess I'll see if this is a good thing or not!

What are your thoughts on making resolutions- do you or don't you? Why or why not? And if you do, what were this year's resolutions?

Leaving Christmas Lights Up All Year?

So I spoke earlier about when is a good time to take down your Christmas decorations. A closely related, and strongly debated, topic is whether its acceptable to leave your outside lights up all year (not necessarily on- just leaving the strings of lights on your roof, windows, bushes, etc.). The pros and cons:

Sure, why not leave your lights up? It makes your holiday decorating easier- usually. You spend one year out in the cold and on the roof and are spared the trouble for the next few years to come. Its also helpful if you physically can't set up and take down the lights each year. And really, its sometimes pretty difficult to even tell the lights are up, if they aren't lit.

Don't leave lights up year 'round! In her song, "Redneck Woman," Gretchen Wilson was proud of the fact that she leaves her Christmas lights up the entire year. But many people think it looks messy and tacky. And, just because you leave your lights up, doesn't necessarily mean an easier time decorating- bulbs may burn out, strands may not work, and strings of lights may come untethered.

My verdict. I don't like the look of lights up all year. But, if it comes down to leaving your lights up all year versus not having any lights at Christmas, then I say, go for it!

What are your thoughts? Do you leave your Christmas lights displayed the entire year?

Dealing with the Post-Christmas Blues

The Christmas season is over, and if you're like me, the end of the holidays is a bit sad and depressing. Especially with the thought of heading back to work tomorrow! No more holiday parties and events to look forward to, no more days to celebrate. Just cold, winter weather- and over 350 days until Christmas comes again.

So how to deal? My tips:

• Make new plans with friends and family. I already have two dinners scheduled with friends and know when I'll next visit my family. It will keep you in a festive mood!
• I always need something to look forward to or anticipate. Even if its something small, like a free Saturday, or big, like my next vacation.
• As much as I love the holidays, the post-Christmas months give me a chance to regain my schedule, organize, and declutter. Regardless of if you make resolutions or not, there is always something clean and nice about starting a new year! Take the time not spent running to and from obligations and parties and shopping to relax.
• Be thankful for the time you spent with friends and family and memories made. Maybe set your computer desktop or screensaver to a favorite picture from the holidays.
• Leave your Christmas tree or decorations up just a bit longer, if it makes you feel better. Just as it doesn't matter what others say or do as to how early you decorate, it doesn't matter how long you keep them up! Ditto with listening to Christmas music!

No matter what you try, though, keep in mind- a reason the holiday season is so anticipated is it only comes once a year. And it will come again in 2010! In the meantime, I've already seen Valentine's Day decorations up...

Do you have any tips for dealing with the post-Christmas blues?

Camp Victory, Iraq, Christmas Decorations

Prior to Christmas, I had a soldier detail for us how deployed members of the military would spend their Christmas. He was nice enough to pass along some pictures of how his base, Camp Victory, in Baghdad, Iraq, was decorated for the holidays. Very interesting!

This first picture is of a Christmas tree in Al Faw palace,

where many service members work on the base.

Cute decorations!

A Christmas USO show featuring Santa, Anna Kournikova, and Billy Ray Cyrus, to name a few.

An illuminated pathway to the palace, made from water bottles wrapped in paper

and lit from the inside using chem lights.

Post Christmas Shopping Roundup

I've done a little post-Christmas shopping. While many stores are having great sales, the selection isn't very extensive. Especially when it comes to discounted Christmas supplies! Walmart was out of Christmas lights by 8 am on the 26th. I did buy 4 new wrapping paper rolls though (as if I don't have enough already)!

Meanwhile, Old Navy is already pulling out shorts!!

Did you pick up any post-Christmas deals?