It's the best isn't it?

Sitting down together.

As a family.

For a big old Christmas feast.

ALL that food.

And a table we've really made an effort over.

With loads of lovely decorations.

That only come out at or are bought just for Christmas.

And it's lovely because it is special.

And we see people, we don't see.

The rest of the year.

BUT ...

... there is that lurking little question.

Is it OK? Really?

That our wider families.

Like our table decorations.

Are ONLY allowed out once a year.

And then packed away in their box.

Forgotten.

Until next Christmas.

And YES, YES I'm exaggerating.

Of course I am.

But in our busy, busy lives it CAN be family who lose out.

Especially the elderly.

And those we can't travel easily.

And we are a bit in danger.

Of trying to use Christmas as a sticking plaster.

For the pain and problems of families scattered all over.

So today we're going to look at all those Christmas table decorations we only bring out once a year.

And see NOT only what we're ready to let go.

Like the left over crackers and party plates too tatty for the table.

BUT also what we could enjoy using more.

Like a nice table cloth or napkins.

On special days all year round.

And while we're at it.

Have a think about our wider families.

And the little ways.

We can connect with them.

And support them.

Throughout the year.

And NOT just at 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 Table Decorations

So this is day six 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.

And then stick to the just 10 things rules:

• Take 5 minutes or so, 15 minutes max
• Focus on Christmas decorations
• Open our eyes to the battered and broken
• And without yanking stuff out 
• Spot any we're ready to let go

Keeping our eyes peeled for ...

1. Christmas crackers
2. Tablecloths
3. Napkins
4. Runners
5. Christmas party hats
6. Place cards
7. Table sparklers
8. Table scatters
9. Christmas plates
10. Christmas cups

We all feel guilty about waste, don't we?

But holding onto stuff too tatty to use doesn't help.

If it is sitting in a box unused it is still waste.

So follow the use it or lose it approach.

If you're NEVER going to put last year's crackers or Christmas party hats from ten years back on this year's Christmas table, let them go!

You don't even have to bin them.

Just pop them in your box of Christmas donations.

And they could put a smile on someone else's face this Christmas.

Well done for anything and everything you let go.

Just don't forget when you're done.

To hook up with your family.

Give them a call.

Write them a note.

Enjoy time with them.

BEFORE Christmas.