Happy Three Kings Day, my friends! Today, we celebrate the visit of the Wise Men to baby Jesus and the official end of the holiday season. For many of us, it’s also the bittersweet day we begin the task of taking down our Christmas trees and packing away the festive magic. Before you start tossing ornaments into bins like a holiday tornado, let’s talk about how to store your holiday decor properly, so the memories sparkle just as bright next year.
Storing Artificial Christmas Trees, Especially Flocked Beauties
Ah, the tree. Whether it’s your traditional green beauty or a stunning, snowy flocked masterpiece, proper storage is key. Here’s how to ensure your tree lasts for years:
- Invest in a Tree Storage Bag (linked below): Forget stuffing your tree back into its original box—it’s a losing battle. Opt for a durable storage bag designed for artificial trees. Look for waterproof options to protect against dampness and pests.
- Protect Flocked Trees: If you have a flocked tree, handle it gently to preserve the snowy finish. Wrap each section in plastic or old sheets before placing it in the bag to minimize flock shedding. Truth is I only researched this, after I packed the tree today. Hoping your tree survives better than mine does…
- Disassemble Carefully: Take your time breaking down the tree. Label the sections if needed (top, middle, bottom) so you don’t play a frustrating game of “tree puzzle” next year.
Preserving Tree Skirts
Your tree skirt has likely seen it all—fallen needles, rogue ornaments, maybe even a spilled cup of hot cocoa. To keep it looking pristine:
- Wash or dry-clean the skirt based on the fabric’s care instructions.
- Fold it neatly and store it in a sealed garment bag or a labeled storage bin to keep dust and moths at bay.
Keeping Wreaths and Garlands Fresh
These festive greens bring so much joy to our homes, but they can be tricky to store. Here’s the plan:
- Get Wreath Storage Boxes: These keep your wreaths from getting crushed. Some even come with handles for easy stacking.
- Wrap Garlands Loosely: Avoid stuffing garlands into tight spaces. Use soft tissue paper or bubble wrap to protect delicate embellishments like berries or lights.
- Hang When Possible: If you have space, hang wreaths and garlands on hooks or in a designated closet to maintain their shape.
General Tips for Holiday Decor Storage
- Ornament Organization: Use divided storage containers for fragile ornaments. Egg cartons and clear plastic cups work as budget-friendly hacks!
- Label Everything: Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not opening six bins to find the stockings. Been there and I’ve done that, Now I am labeling bins, and inputting a list on a sheet of paper of items in each container. ie, baby ornaments, and kids handmade decor etc.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures:Store your decor in a cool, dry spot to keep it safe and sound. Garages and attics work, as long as they don’t turn into saunas or freezers. Emphasis on dry—because, last year, my sweet little helpers swore they “put the bins in the shed, Mom.” Spoiler alert: they didn’t. The result? A soggy mess of cherished decor and memories that didn’t make it to this year. Lesson learned!
Packing Away the Memories
As you carefully tuck aware each piece of your holiday magic, remember you’re not just storing decor- you’re preserving memories. Next year, when you unpack, it’ll feel like a joyful reunion with old friends.
So, let’s raise a toast to the season that was, to the memories we made, and to keeping the magic alive for many years to come. Cheers to Three Kings Day and the journey toward a new year filled with blessings, joy and maybe a little less glitter everywhere!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a Frenchie mug of hot cocoa, (my go to during the season) calling my name- and maybe one last dance around my Kind of Christmas clocked tree before it goes into hibernation.
What are your best tips for storing holiday decor? Let’s swap ideas in the comments below!
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