Putting Away Christmas

Well, we made it home safe and sound from our 2+ week holiday travels.  Although we had the BEST break, it felt so good to be driving into our neighborhood.  A bit of embarrassment poured into me as we pulled into our driveway, Christmas wreaths and swags adorned with holiday bows and lights still swinging in the wind.  We might as well have carolers singing Oh Holy Night and offer everyone some hot cocoa and peppermint candy canes tonight!  *sigh*

As my hubbie is unloading the car, I immediately start tearing down Christmas inside.  Yes, I am a little cray cray!!!!  But now I am on a mission to have this thing DONE!

Remember the advent calendar I told y’all about?  Well, here’s how I tear it down and store it for the year.  First, I take apart the chateau, breaking apart the accessories into approximately 12 piles, taking apart each one that has attachments (so the kids can put it together again next year!).

Next, I bag them up in these convenient sandwich bags I purchased at Cash And Carry .  Have you heard of Cash and Carry?!  OMG, it is a party planners dirty little secret! 🙂  They have so many awesome food service items in bulk.  I love stocking up on craft to-go boxes for baked goods, 10 and 12 oz. plain white to go coffee cups with coordinating lids, bamboo appetizer skewers, etc.  It’s awesome!

After stuffing the goodies into the 12 bags, I fold them as small as possible and tape them shut.  Stuff these puppies in a zip-lock and I am almost done!

I add a copy of our 25 days of Christmas so that when I pull out the Christmas boxes next December, all I have to do is stuff them in the appropriate advent pocket and we’re set!

Happy packing it up, y’all!

xo, Melissa

PS.  If you wanted to grab an advent calendar while they are on sale, there are still a few cuties available at: Pottery Barn, Amazon, and Target.