Declutter before Christmas and give to the next one
Decluttering takes on a whole new meaning as the holiday season approaches. Because we all know: between the toys piling up, the presents to come and the whirlwind of December, the house can quickly become too cluttered...
How about doing things differently this year? Create a gentle family moment to sort, lighten and give back. Not as a chore, but as a new tradition of generosity.
When we get children involved, and show them that certain toys can continue their lives in new hands, decluttering becomes a meaningful gesture. A gesture that does good not only for our home, but also for our hearts.
In this blog, I share simple ways to get your kids involved, ideas for giving to the next, and tips for welcoming Christmas in a lighter... and more serene space.
Involving children in sorting: a learning opportunity
De-cluttering, especially at this time of year, can become a gentle moment of education. Children are often more open than we think to sharing what they have.
You can explain simply: "Some kids may not get many presents this year. And some of your toys might still please someone. Why don't we pick out a few to give together?"
It's not a question of forcing, but of opening up the conversation. Give them some decision-making power. You can also guide them:
- What toys haven't you used in a while?
- Is there a doggie or doll that you've loved, but that's been sleeping on the shelf for too long?
- Are there any games you're ready to part with to make room for new ones?
Make it a quiet activity, a moment of connection. Put on a little background music, get out some boxes and sit down together to do this gentle sorting.
👉 For more ideas on how to live a simpler December aligned with your values, I invite you to read Christmas made easy: a new way to enjoy Christmas.
Where can you donate your toys and objects in good condition?
Once you've sorted your donations, you need to find the right place to make them count. Here are a few tips:
- Community thrift stores (Renaissance, Village des valeurs, La Voûte, Salvation Army, etc.).
- Neighborhood organizations who collect toys for Christmas
- Women's centers or shelters for families in need
- Daycare centers or early childhood centerswho sometimes recover toys for their common areas
- Word of mouthPerhaps you know of a family in your circle for whom such donations would make all the difference.
The most important thing is to make sure that the toys are clean, complete and still functional. We give what we'd be proud to receive.
Decluttering as a family ritual
How about making it a tradition? A sort of "heart cleansing" before the holidays.
For example:
- At the beginning of each December, you set aside an afternoon with your family to sort out the mess together.
- You take the opportunity to talk about generosity, mutual aid, the true values of Christmas.
- Then celebrate with a hot chocolate, a walk or a special evening.
By creating decluttering rituals, we can teach our children a more conscious way of living through the holiday season. It shows them that there's as much joy in giving as in receiving.
👉 For a festive, fun and structured approach to holiday organization, discover tips from Mother Christmas in this sparkling, practical blog.
Other ways to lighten up before Christmas
Sorting toys is a good starting point, but you can also apply the same approach to other areas:
- The decorationsKeep only those that still give you pleasure. Donate or recycle damaged or forgotten decorations.
- The kitchenSort out plastic dishes, baking accessories, tablecloths... and make room for cooking pleasure.
- Winter clothing: coats, mittens, boots. The kids have grown up? Give what doesn't fit anymore to those who need it.
Every gesture, no matter how small, contributes to lightening your space and doing good around you.
👉 To better plan your tasks and not forget anything before the big day, take a look at this simple guide to getting organized for the holiday season.
A new tradition in your image
There's no right or wrong way to do it. Decluttering doesn't have to be perfect or exhaustive.
What counts is the intention behind the gesture: to slow down, to reflect, to make room for the essential.
And if this year, your home is a little softer, a little calmer... that will already be a lot.
Offer better, live lighter
Decluttering before Christmas is much more than just cleaning. It's a way of entering the holiday season with intention, kindness and openness.
It's a gift we give to others, but also to ourselves.
Above all, it's a great opportunity to pass on to our children a different vision of Christmas: one less focused on accumulation and consumption, and more on sharing.
So, if you feel the urge, take a moment this week. Open the cupboards, get out the boxes, and let the magic happen... gently, as a family.
