TL;DR
Start the season with a First Out Bin that holds your wrapping supplies, holiday music and last year’s cards. Pack decorations in packing peanuts, keep a holiday binder for cards, gifts and recipes, and sort ornaments by room or theme. Each year, rotate out worn decor so the boxes never fill with things you no longer love.
Tis the season to be jolly, but for many, the holiday festivities come with the stress of disorganized chaos. In a news segment on NBC a few years back, I shared insightful tips to turn your holiday season from hectic to harmonious.
As we head into the Christmas season, let’s revisit these tips and explore a few more to ensure a smooth and joyful celebration.
What goes in a First Out Bin?
I emphasize the importance of having a designated “First Out Bin.” This is the go-to container that kicks off the holiday season. Packed with wrapping paper, tags, ribbons, bows, and even a festive CD, it sets the mood for the holidays. The genius addition? Keeping last year’s holiday cards handy, making it a breeze to spread joy and warm wishes without the frantic card hunt.
How do you pack holiday decorations so they are easy to unpack?
Try the packing peanuts trick
For an innovative approach to packing away decorations, I suggest using packing peanuts. Instead of tossing your ornaments and trimmings back into their original containers, which may be bulky and deteriorate over time, opt for a box filled with packing peanuts. Not only does it provide a protective cushion for your decorations, but it also makes unpacking a delightful experience. Let the kids have a festive “popcorn dig,” turning the process into a joyful family tradition.
Sort ornaments by room or theme
Simplify the process of decorating by organizing your ornaments in a way that sparks joy. Avoid the frustration of tangled lights and misplaced decorations by using separate containers or dividers within storage boxes. Consider categorizing decorations by room or theme to streamline the decorating process. For more ideas, see how to start with storing your holiday decorations for next year.
How does a holiday organizing binder keep cards and gifts on track?
Take holiday card organization to the next level with an organizing binder. Stamps, labels, and a favorite pen are just the beginning. This binder becomes a central hub for your Christmas endeavors. From your gift list and ideas to receipts and favorite recipes, it ensures everything is at your fingertips. Stay on top of who you’ve sent cards to with a handy checklist, and keep track of recipes to avoid last-minute kitchen chaos.
Why should you rotate and refresh your holiday decor?
Every holiday season is an opportunity to refresh your decorations and introduce new elements. To prevent the accumulation of worn-out or outdated items, make it a tradition to rotate and refresh your holiday decor. This not only keeps things visually appealing but also adds an element of excitement and novelty to your festivities.
This holiday season, let these organizational tips guide you towards a stress-free and joyful celebration. By implementing these strategies and adding your personal touch, you can turn the chaos of holiday preparations into a smooth and enjoyable experience. For a few more quick wins, try these quick tips to organize your holiday tasks.
After all, the true spirit of the season lies in the joy we create for ourselves and our loved ones.
Keep reading
- Storing Your Holiday Decorations for Next YearEasy ways to pack away decorations so next year starts organized.
- Holiday Organizing Binders Help You Keep It All TogetherOne binder for gift lists, recipes, cards and receipts.
- Creating a ‘First Out’ Holiday Bin and Get Organized for the Holidays ~ NBC NewsThe NBC segment where Kathi first showed the First Out Bin.
Frequently asked questions
What is a First Out Bin for the holidays?
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A First Out Bin is the first container you open when the holiday season starts. Kathi fills it with wrapping paper, gift tags, ribbons, bows and festive music, plus last year’s holiday cards. Keeping those cards in the bin means you have names and addresses on hand without hunting for them.
How do I pack Christmas ornaments so they don’t break?
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Skip the bulky original boxes, which wear out over time, and pack ornaments in a box filled with packing peanuts. The peanuts cushion each piece and make unpacking fun. Kathi suggests letting kids dig through the box like popcorn to find the ornaments, which turns unpacking into a family tradition.
What should go in a holiday organizing binder?
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Kathi’s holiday binder holds stamps, labels and a favorite pen for cards, along with your gift list, gift ideas, receipts and favorite recipes. Add a checklist of who you have sent cards to. With everything in one place, you avoid last-minute searching and kitchen chaos during the busiest weeks.
How can I stop holiday lights from tangling in storage?
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Use separate containers or dividers inside your storage boxes so lights and decorations stay apart. Kathi also recommends sorting decorations by room or by theme. When you open a box, everything for one spot is together, which keeps lights untangled and makes decorating faster each year.
How do I keep holiday decorations from piling up every year?
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Make it a yearly tradition to rotate and refresh your holiday decor. As you add a few new pieces, let go of items that are worn out or outdated. Kathi says this keeps your decorations looking fresh, adds a sense of novelty, and stops storage boxes from filling with things you no longer use.
Originally published on Organized and Energized on June 18, 2024. Moved to addSpace and updated November 7, 2026.
