There’s something so magical.

Isn’t there?

About wrapping up Christmas gifts.

Seeing them all piled up under the tree.

On Christmas Eve.

And watching the family.

Especially children.

Excitedly pulling away the wrapping to discover the secret treasures hidden beneath.

But do you ever find that joy.

Tinged with something else?

I know I do.

Too often, my Christmas wrapping is done in a last minute, late night panic.

Yet ANOTHER chore.

I’m behind on.

And more and more.

The pleasure of Christmas day seems to be in ripping the paper off.

Rather than actual enjoyment of the gift inside.

Simply BECAUSE we have so many gifts.

AND we all have so much already.

Much MORE than we have time to enjoy.

And THEN there’s just the waste.

Of the paper. And the ribbon. And the bows.

To be used once. And thrown away.

With most of it made in China.

In conditions we can’t be sure of.

And shipped round the world.

Rather than close to home.

In jobs you can raise a family on.

So today let’s check out all that old Christmas gift wrap we’ve been storing.

Be honest about what we’ll use.

And LET GO the rest.

But also let’s take a moment to think about presents.

And how we can truly give gifts that count this Christmas …

If you’re following along with my quick daily declutter, read on. BUT if you’re new do hop back and read how just 10 things can help you declutter easily.

Just 10 Things  – Christmas Gift Wrap

So this is day eight of my 10 day Christmas declutter series.

To get the most from the series it is best to start at the beginning.

Today we’ll go to the Christmas boxes and bags we got out on day one.

Or wherever you’ve got old Christmas gift wrap hidden away.

And then stick to the just 10 things rules:

• Take 5 minutes or so, 15 minutes max
• Focus on Christmas gift wrap
• Open our eyes to the tatty and unusable
• And without yanking stuff out 
• Spot any we’re ready to let go

Keeping our eyes peeled for …

1. Wrapping paper
2. Gift bags
3. Ribbon
4. Rafia
5. Tissue paper
6. Gift bows
7. Twine
8. Washi tape
9. Christmas stamps
10. Money envelopes

Put anything half decent you know you won’t use in the Christmas donation box we started on day one. Or if it’s super tatty in recycling.

And then clock what you’ve got!!

So you don’t end up buying a load more.

Remember: use it or lose it!

And THEN let’s have a think about gifts.

Have a brainstorm of gifts that WILL NOT clutter up your home.

Or you family’s homes.

I’ve got a big old list of 101 clutter free gifts to give you ideas.

These are all experiences – or digital – rather than stuff.

But even when our families are seriously struggling with clutter a little bit of new stuff is nice, isn’t it?

So the big trick here IS to buy less.

BUT spend a little bit more.

And make sure MORE of our Christmas spend stays in our communities.

By buying from independent stores.

And small local manufacturers.

Who create great products AND great skilled jobs.

Where you live.

Whether it’s toys made in America.

Fancy undies made in England.

Or something else cool made locally near you.

Knowing that our presents have helped to …

1. Support local jobs
2. Reduce waste
3. AND cut pollution from global shipping

… truly can put the joy of giving back into Christmas.