The holiday season often comes with extra clutter that can weigh down your space and your mind. You might find yourself holding onto items that no longer serve a purpose or bring joy, simply out of habit or sentiment.
Knowing which holiday items to let go of can help you create a tidier, more manageable space without losing the festive spirit. Cutting back on unnecessary stuff gives you more room for what really matters during the holidays.
Old holiday cards from years ago
You don’t need to keep every holiday card you’ve received over the years. While it’s nice to hold onto a few special ones, old cards can quickly pile up and create clutter.
If you’re feeling sentimental, consider saving just the cards with the most meaningful messages or from people you no longer see.
Another easy option is to repurpose the cards into gift tags, bookmarks, or decorations. That way, you still get to enjoy them without holding onto a stack of paper that’s just taking up space.
Worn-out Christmas sweaters
If your holiday sweater has seen better days, it might be time to let it go. Holding onto stretched-out, faded, or pilled sweaters only takes up closet space and drags down your festive style.
Instead, consider replacing them with newer options that feel fresh but still capture the holiday spirit. You don’t need to sacrifice comfort or fun just because you want to upgrade your look.
A clean, stylish sweater can make holiday gatherings more enjoyable and help you avoid that tired “been-there, worn-that” vibe.
Broken string lights
If your string lights have frayed wires, broken bulbs, or exposed wiring, it’s time to let them go. These issues can be a fire hazard, and keeping them around isn’t worth the risk.
You might be tempted to fix them, and that’s fine if you know how. But if they’re beyond repair, replace them with newer, safer LED lights.
Investing in certified options helps keep your home safe during the holidays. Plus, tossing out damaged lights makes decorating less stressful next year.
Unused holiday-themed serving dishes
You probably have those holiday-themed serving dishes sitting in a cabinet, only used once or twice. If they’re just taking up space and gathering dust, it might be time to let them go.
Keeping too many specialty dishes can actually make holiday prep feel cluttered and stressful. Focus on versatile serveware you actually use instead of holding on to every festive piece.
Clearing out those rarely used items frees up room and keeps your holiday gatherings simple and more enjoyable.
Plastic lawn decorations from decades ago
If you still have those plastic lawn decorations from years ago, it might be time to let them go. They tend to fade, crack, and look outdated after a while. Holding onto brittle or broken pieces just creates clutter.
Plus, newer decorations use better materials and can last longer. You can find updated versions that brighten your yard without the risk of damage. Don’t stress about keeping every single vintage piece if it’s no longer in good shape.
Single-use gift wrap leftovers
You might have a pile of leftover gift wrap from past holidays. Most wrapping paper is designed to be used once and then tossed, which adds up fast.
If your paper has tape, glitter, or foil, it’s often not recyclable. Holding onto scraps that won’t get used again only clutters your space.
Instead, consider reusing or repurposing what you can. Or let go of those bits that don’t work anymore to keep things simpler next season.
Mismatched holiday ornaments
You might think keeping every random ornament adds character, but too many mismatched pieces can make your tree look cluttered. Holding onto ornaments that don’t fit your style or color scheme just takes up space.
If they don’t bring you joy or match your current decor, it’s okay to let them go. Focus on a cohesive look that makes decorating easier and more enjoyable each year.
Nonseasonal decor stashed away
You probably have a bunch of decor items tucked away that don’t really fit any season. Stuff like old wreaths, random candles, or knick-knacks that don’t match your current style.
Holding onto these can take up space and make storage a hassle. If you haven’t used it in years, it might be time to let it go. Keeping only what feels relevant can make holiday decorating simpler and less stressful.
Expired holiday-scented candles
You might have a stash of holiday candles that have been sitting around for years. Over time, their scent fades or changes, making them less enjoyable to burn.
Storing them properly can help, but even then, old candles lose their charm. Holding onto expired holiday scents just takes up space and won’t give you the cozy atmosphere you want.
It’s better to let them go and treat yourself to fresh candles that match the season’s vibe.
Holiday-specific cookware rarely used
You might have those special pots and pans you only break out once a year. But if you seldom use them, they’re just taking up valuable space.
Think about it—do you really need cookware that’s designed only for holiday meals? Often, versatile pieces can handle holiday cooking just fine.
Keeping rarely used holiday cookware can clutter your kitchen. Consider donating or storing them elsewhere if they’re more hassle than help.
Faded tinsel and garlands
You might still have that old tinsel sitting in your storage, but faded strands don’t do your tree any favors. They can look messy and tired instead of festive.
Garlands that have lost their shine or gotten tangled can make decorating more frustrating than fun. Instead, consider swapping them out for natural or fresh alternatives, like dried orange slices or popcorn chains. It adds charm without the hassle.
Extra holiday party supplies you never use
You probably have more party supplies than you actually need. Think about those themed tableware sets or disposable cups you bought for one event but never touched again.
Holding on to extras like mismatched napkins, leftover party favors, or outdated decorations only takes up space. If you never use them year after year, it’s time to let them go.
Keeping only the essentials helps simplify your holiday prep and frees up storage for things you really enjoy using.
More from Cultivated Comfort:
- 7 Vintage Home Items From the ’60s That Are Collectors’ Dream Finds
- 7 Vintage Home Goods That Became Collectors’ Gold
- 7 Fast-Food Chains That Changed for the Worse
- 7 Frozen Dinners That Were Better Back in the Day
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
