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Congratulations, we have made it through the holidays. Ribbons, presents, food, family and the whole episode has finally come to an end. What we have left is simply leftovers. Leftovers are handled in simple ways. Think of your house as a giant refrigerator and life becomes a little simpler. Packing them up to use them later, or getting rid of them are really the only choices you have to think about! See already it's become easier.

~Christmas Cards

After you have retrieved any addresses and names from the cards and you are done with displaying them. It's time to chop them up. Keep the part with the pictures for crafting, embellishment or to donate to others who will recycle them. The backs make great scratch paper or you can simply take them to the paper recycle bin.

~Christmas Candy

Christmas candy is something that can be frozen in most cases. It won't last forever, but it may be a sweet little treat later. Freeze one or two chocolates together so no one goes hog wild. After all, isn't the point to get rid of the sugar high?

Senior Citizen's homes are often a place that may enjoy some treats. Not all can have them, but taking them to the kitchen for the dietician to determine who may enjoy the treats is a good idea.

~Unwanted gifts

If this gift is perfect for someone on next year's list, wrap it up right now and cross the name off the list. That is one chore you needn't take care of next year. If that is not the case then donate it, right now. Get the receipt for the taxes and be grateful for that gift. Don't just leave it about for clutter. It's not worth it.

~Decorations

If it is broken, fix it now or throw it away. Chances are when the holidays roll around again no one will be mending this or that.

Label properly. This means that all boxes are marked on the top and all four sides. Any family member can rifle through storage and they may land in different places then they started. Make the label specific enough that any one can tell what is in the box.

If assembly is required make a copy of the directions and put in a notebook where all instructions are kept. That way if they get ripped, torn, or just worn out you can still assemble your decoration.

~Tree

If the trees are a live tree that is going to be planted in spring carefully follow the directions of nursery where the tree was purchase.

If the tree is a fresh cut tree check the local newspaper for recycle choices. Usually there is a plan and we should participate with our communities. If the house has a wood burning fireplace, that is an option.

Now the holidays are organized and put away. This gives a clean slate for the new year.

Learn more about this author, Trenna Sue Hiler.
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