Harvesting Simplicity - Making Space After the Holidays
- Melissa Cotton
- Jan 26
- 2 min read
Melissa Cotton is the creator of this series of posts, published monthly, entitled Harvesting Simplicity. She covers a variety of topics presented by Joshua Becker and others to help guide us all to live a more 'stuff-free' lifestyle. Just because it is free, does not mean we need to take and give it space in our lives.
When the holidays end, what’s left behind can feel overwhelming. Decorations pile up, taking up space long after the season ends. Letting go of items you no longer use gives your home room to breathe and sets the stage for a simpler, more manageable home.
Holiday items are unique because they carry emotion. They remind us of traditions, people, and past moments. But when the decor sits untouched year after year, it quietly becomes clutter. Holding onto items out of guilt or sentiment can clutter both your space and your mind. Minimalism is not about stripping joy away, it’s about making room for what truly adds meaning.
Decluttering holiday decorations creates immediate benefits. Storage areas become easier to manage. Decorating next season feels lighter and more enjoyable. You spend less time sorting and more time celebrating.
As you go through your holiday items, slow down and ask yourself honest questions:
● Did I use this item this holiday season?
● Do I genuinely enjoy displaying this, or do I feel obligated to keep it?
● Would I buy this again today?
● Does this item reflect my current style and traditions?
● If I let this go, would I truly miss it next holiday season?
Be intentional with what you keep. Choose decorations that aligns with how you want your holidays to feel—peaceful, meaningful, and manageable. Let go of duplicates, broken items, and things that no longer fit your life. Consider quality over quantity, choosing items that enhance your space rather than clutter it. By keeping only what matters, decorating becomes easier and the season feels lighter.
Decluttering holiday decorations isn’t about losing memories. It’s about honoring them while creating space for new ones. When you keep only what you love and use, the holidays become lighter, not just in your home, but in your mind. Letting go of what no longer serves you makes decorating more joyful and intentional. It also gives you room to focus on the traditions and moments that truly matter.
Melissa is a first grade teacher with a double major in Elementary Education and Early Childhood. She also has a Master’s Degree in Education Administration. After reading T. Colin Campbell’s book, The China Study, she stopped eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) and has been eating a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet. In December 2023, she earned Dr Joel Fuhrman’s Nutritarian Coaching Certificate. Melissa is an active member of the National Health Association (NHA).
Melissa is also the writer/creator of our 2024 blog series Exploring GBOMBS. Her love for teaching and learning will support others on their journey for optimal health and wellness.
(currently publishing monthly)
(previously published)
Be well
Stop.Breathe.Focus.Move.Flow.
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