The day after Christmas often arrives quietly. The excitement has softened, the wrapping
paper is gone, and the day settles into a slower rhythm. For some, new things are scattered around the house. For others, the day looks much the same as it did yesterday. Both experiences are part of the season, and both deserve care.
This in-between day isn’t about putting Christmas away just yet. It’s about helping your space adjust,
whether that means welcoming new items in or simply restoring a sense of calm where you are.
If you did receive gifts, before anything gets tucked into a drawer or set on a shelf “for now,” this is the perfect moment to pause and decide where things truly belong.
Start by grouping like items together. Clothing with clothing. Books with books. Kitchen items near where they’ll actually be used. This simple step makes it easier to see what fits naturally into your space and what may need a little adjustment.
As you do this, create a separate pile for items that need to be returned or exchanged. Clothing that doesn’t fit quite right. Duplicates. Things that simply aren’t your style.
Keep receipts, gift receipts, and packaging together in one
spot so returns don’t become a lingering chore. Even setting a reminder on your calendar can help ensure those items don’t sit forgotten until the return window closes.
You may also find items you can’t return and don’t really care for. This is where many people get stuck. Instead of forcing these gifts into your space out of guilt,
consider other options.
Could the item be donated to someone who would enjoy it more? Regifted thoughtfully later? Passed along to a friend or family member who would genuinely use it?
Letting something move on doesn’t diminish the kindness behind the gift. It simply allows it to be useful elsewhere.
Gift cards deserve special attention, too. Every year,
billions of dollars’ worth of gift cards go unused, often because they’re tucked away and forgotten.
Instead of slipping them into a drawer “for safekeeping,” choose a dedicated spot where you’ll actually see them. A small envelope in your wallet, a labeled section
in your planner, or a specific place in your desk works well. Some people even jot the card value and store name on a list so nothing gets overlooked.
If you didn’t receive gifts this year, this day can still be meaningful. It’s a good time to gently reset the spaces you use most...returning everyday items to their places, clearing one
surface, or making a small area feel cared for again. That kind of attention can feel just as grounding as finding homes for something new.
As you make these small decisions, you may notice that some spaces feel tight. That’s a gentle nudge. Making room often means letting something else go. If a new sweater needs space, maybe one that
no longer feels right can be thanked and released. If no new items arrived, you might still notice something ready to move on. Either way, balance matters.
Try to avoid the “I’ll deal with this later” pile. Temporary piles have a way of becoming permanent residents. Even choosing a short-term home, a specific shelf, drawer, or basket,
helps prevent clutter from settling in.
Not every item, new or old, needs to be dealt with immediately. Some things are seasonal, sentimental, or meant for later. Giving them a designated place now saves you time and mental energy down the road.
The day after Christmas is a bridge day. You’re not undoing the holiday, and you’re not rushing into the new year yet. You’re simply helping your space feel steady again.
On another note...New Year, Ready for Anything: Simple Essentials to Start Fresh: Everyday items that support fresh starts, gentle routines, and a more organized, intentional year ahead.Essentials for the New Year
