Every year, as we deck the halls and whip up festive treats, my family engages in a cherished tradition: the great declutter. Anticipating the onslaught of toys from our generous relatives, who often overlook our requests for experiential gifts instead of physical ones, we make space for new arrivals.
In previous years, this decluttering ritual occurred stealthily while the children peacefully slumbered. My partner and I would hastily pack up forgotten and unwanted toys, preparing them for donation, while the kids remained blissfully unaware. However, last year marked a turning point, as our children joined in the pre-Christmas clean-up, and we weren’t sure how they would react.
To my astonishment, a small holiday miracle unfolded: they embraced the idea of letting go of their current toys, reassured that new ones would soon arrive from Santa. I even managed to avoid using my previously prepared threat that “if Santa sees you have too many toys, he might skip your house.”
Our Decluttering Process
Our decluttering process unfolds in three key steps over the weekend following Thanksgiving.
- Lead by Example: My partner and I begin to clear out our own excess, explaining our actions to the kids while we make space.
- Preparation: We inform the children that they will be sorting through their toys to “give them a new home where someone will cherish and play with them.” We emphasize their good fortune in having so many toys and remind them that Santa and our family will be bringing new gifts, necessitating some room-making. We also highlight that they’ve grown, and many toys no longer resonate with their current interests.
- Decluttering: The kids choose between similar items, selecting their favorites one by one. For smaller toys, like their collection of race cars, we line them up and have them pick a specific number of favorites. As they sift through their belongings, we responsibly recycle or discard toys that are damaged or no longer useful. This meticulous sorting process can take a while, but the end result is a collection of truly cherished toys.
Timing is crucial for this ritual. With the excitement of potential gifts under the tree, any resistance or attachment they might feel is easily overshadowed. Once the boxes are full, we hold a small “ceremony” to thank the toys for the joy they brought us and wish them well on their journey to new children. Involving the kids in this process has alleviated the guilt I once felt about discarding their toys without their knowledge, and it also gives us a clean slate as we enter the new year.
Ultimately, I aspire for this experience to instill in my children the understanding that accumulating more possessions does not equate to greater happiness and that true joy often lies in giving to others. After all, it is the season of generosity.
For more insights on parenting and family life, check out this related post on Home Insemination Kit. And if you’re exploring resources about pregnancy, Healthline is an excellent source. Also, for those considering home insemination, Make a Mom offers authoritative information on the subject.
Summary
The article discusses a family’s holiday tradition of decluttering in anticipation of new toys. By involving their children in the process, they aim to teach valuable lessons about materialism and the joy of giving.
Leave a Reply