Ah, the holiday season – a time of joy, laughter, and merriment. But as we all know, every rose has its thorns, and in this case, it’s the annual Christmas tree dismantling debacle (insert sad face here).
You’ve just spent weeks decorating your beautiful tree, and now it’s time to bid it adieu until next year. You’re determined not to end up with a crumpled, tangled mess of lights and ornaments when you open that dusty box (or bag) again. Fear not, my festive friends! I’m here to share some tips and tricks to ensure your Christmas tree storage is more “Ho Ho Ho!” than “Oh no, no, no.” We are going to learn how to pack up a Christmas tree…the right way.
Lights, Camera, Detangle!
Let’s start with the thorniest of all, the Christmas lights. You swear you put them away neatly last year, but somehow, they’ve turned into a chaotic jumble yet again. Well, this year, we’re going to win the battle against those mischievous fairy lights. Grab an empty cardboard tube (the kind you find inside wrapping paper), cut a small notch at the end, and secure the plug in it. Then, carefully wrap the lights around the tube, securing them in place with twist ties. Voilà! Next year, you’ll be singing “Deck the Halls” instead of “Untangle the Balls.”
Ornaments – Divide and Conquer
Ornaments are the shining stars of your Christmas tree, so they deserve some special treatment. Consider investing in ornament storage containers with compartments or dividers. If that’s not in your budget, use egg cartons, muffin tins, or even plastic cups to separate and protect your delicate baubles. And if you’re like me, and have a hundred million shatterproof balls, just remove the hooks and place them in trash bags by color, shape and/or size. Remember, no ornament left behind.
Branch by Branch Breakdown
Now comes the tree itself – the pièce de résistance of your holiday décor. Disassembling it section by section is the way to go. Start at the top and work your way down, gently separating and labeling each section (if needed). You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to assemble it next year, and you don’t end up playing “Which branch goes where?” like a puzzling game of Christmas tree Tetris.
A Bag Fit for Santa
When it comes to storage, invest in a sturdy, dedicated Christmas tree storage bag. Yes, you might be tempted to use that old cardboard box from your latest Amazon haul or even the tattered old box your tree came in, but trust me, it’s worth the investment. These specialized bags often come with straps and wheels making it easy to maneuver around and store, ensuring your tree remains protected and intact until the next grand unveiling.
Tip
To get your tree to fit easily inside your storage bag, try laying out an old flat bedsheet; gently fold the branches of each section of the tree upwards towards the trunk (trying to maintain as much shape in the branches as possible).
Then place the collapsed tree sections on the sheet (in a manner that’s about as long as your bag), wrap it, and roll the whole thing up like a burrito. Carefully stuff the “burrito” into the tree bag. Boom done. Having the tree wrapped will also make zipping the bag a breeze with no protruding branches.
Label Like You Mean It
This tip may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people skip it. Label your boxes and containers. Use clear, concise descriptions like “Tree Topper,” “Lights,” “Ornaments,” etc. This will save you from the dreaded scavenger hunt when you’re eager to start decorating next December August (ahahaha, that was a joke – kind of).
So there you have it, friends. With a little planning, organization, and maybe a festive playlist to keep you in the holiday spirit, you can bid farewell to your Christmas tree without any drama. No more tangled lights, broken ornaments, or missing branches – just a smooth transition from one holiday season to the next. Happy decorating, and may your next Christmas tree assembly be a merry and mess-free affair.
