by B. Taylor

Created on: December 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 31, 2008

Taking down the holiday decorations can be a depressing activity. You may be looking at Winter weather for three more months, but all the light and cheerfulness that has made Winter fun so far is coming down.

Make this part of the annual traditions a social event. Ask a good friend to come over and help you dismantle the trimmings of the Holidays. You can offer hot tea or hot chocolate, and to watch a rented movie together after all the work is done. If you have roommates, dismantle together and end the evening the same way: with warmth, togetherness, and a good movie.

If you have decorated the outside of your home, make sure you and your companion(s) take down the outdoor items first, and in daylight. Its an especially bad idea to climb ladders alone in the dark.

Whether inside or outside, strings of lights are quite possibly the most difficult to dismantle and store. Avoid having a crumpled mess of electrical wiring because it will most likely result in cracked wires and lights that won't go on next year. Instead of wrapping the cord tightly around your hand or wrist, make loose loops that you hold in one hand. Tie the circles together (not too tight) when you have completed taking down and looping each set of strung lights.

Whether your decorations have been handed down from generation to generation or bought just one month ago, it is important to keep their boxes intact. When it comes time to pack them away, put everything in the original packaging to prevent breakage that will result in you unpacking bits and pieces of broken glass and plastic next year. Lightweight packages can be stacked in much larger boxes, and then stored in a basement, attic, or wherever you store items for seasonal use.

Before you are finished, take a careful look around. Walk around the house, inside and out. Make sure you didn't forget or not see anything. It could be embarrasing to discover an old holiday ribbon on your mailbox in March, or a wreath left hanging over the back door in Spring.

Last but never the least, the tree must come down. For those with a fireplace, this is not such a big problem. Of course, somebody has to cut the tree into pieces, and it is good at times like these to know people with power tools. You may end up burning the wood yourself, or giving it to somebody who can, but please be responsible about how you dispose of your tree.

With everything put away, enjoy the movie!

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