I used to wait until Old Christmas, January 6th. But in a compromise with my husband, who wants things cleared up quickly, we settled on New Year’s Day. It’s a project of many hours, culminating with the Last Miracle of Christmas.* Luckily I won’t be nursing a hangover after my happily boring New Year’s Eve.
This is when I force myself ruthlessly to discard some ornaments and decorative items we aren’t using and haven’t used in some time. Because a few things creep in every year, it’s a necessity. I do not allow myself to add boxes.
*Getting everything back into the same storage boxes afterwards.