Do This Now! #1 Tip for Organized Christmas Decorating Next Year
Decorating for Christmas is magical, but let’s be honest—staying on top of it all for an organized Christmas next year can feel like a challenge! The thought of unpacking and figuring it all out again next year is…not so magical. That’s why I swear by one simple, game-changing tip every single year: Take photos!
Once your holiday decorations are exactly how you like them, grab your phone and snap pictures of every space. Trust me, this little habit will save you so much time next year. I keep a folder on my phone labeled “Christmas Decor” with pictures of each room, so when it’s time to decorate again, I know exactly where to start.
The Secret to an Organized Christmas
Taking photos isn’t just about saving time—it’s about making the process easier and more fun. It’s the ultimate way to create an organized Christmas system you can count on every year. You can even go the extra mile and divide your photos into two folders:
- Repeat Next Year: The setups you absolutely loved and want to replicate.
- Try Something New: A place for inspiration and ideas you want to experiment with.
You can also take close-ups of the arrangements or setups that have specific placements.
Think about how you hung or installed something—maybe it’s the thumbtack you used to secure a strand of bells on your mantel, a zip tie holding greenery to your stair rail, or a decorative accent propped up on a small block of wood to get the height just right. These details are easy to forget but so helpful to remember!
Because, let’s be honest, its hard to remember that you layered that cute buffalo plaid door mat over your striped rug on the front porch… while you put the “Come in and Cozy Up” at the bottom of the porch step!
For more inspiration on creative ways to approach your holiday decorating, check out my post on Christmas Decorating Beyond the Tree. It’s packed with ideas for adding festive flair to unexpected spaces, which ties in perfectly with creating a well-rounded, organized Christmas plan!
How to Take the Most Useful Photos for an Organized Christmas
- Wide Shots: Capture the entire space to see how everything ties together.
- Angles: Snap photos from multiple viewpoints to get the full picture.
- Close-Ups: Focus on the details you love or tricky setups that you don’t want to forget.
Take a Video Tour
Go beyond photos and film a quick video tour of your decorated spaces. Narrate as you go, pointing out what you loved about each setup. It’s a fun way to remind yourself next year why you placed something a certain way—or how you nailed that perfect garland drape!
Make It Even Easier with an Organized Christmas Plan
Once you’ve snapped your photos, it’s time to take your decorating prep to the next level. These ideas will not only save you time but also help you capture the heart of the holiday season. From videos to notes, here are some more tips to simplify your holiday decorating:
1. Get the Kids Involved
If you have little ones, let them snap their own photos of favorite decorations. You’ll get a fresh perspective on what stood out to them, and it becomes a sweet little time capsule of their favorite things each year.
2. Document Your “MVP” Decorations
Have a few decorations you can’t imagine Christmas without? Snap a special close-up of those and save them in a separate folder. That way, even if you tweak your overall style, you’ll remember to incorporate the pieces that bring you the most joy.
Love this idea? Keep it handy.
Email this to yourself so it’s ready when you are!
3. Keep Notes on What Worked (and What Didn’t)
Use your phone’s notes app to jot down quick thoughts while you decorate. Maybe you want to buy extra garland next year, noticed a string of lights is on its last leg, or realized you’d like a bigger wreath for the front door. These notes will be a lifesaver next year!
4. Create a Wishlist for Future Years
As you’re photographing, make note of the areas you’d like to enhance next year—maybe it’s a new centerpiece for the dining table or a few more ornaments for the tree. Maybe there’s a bare spot that’s been bothering you, or a piece of art you’d like to swap out for the holidays.
Also, jot down any tools that could make your decorating easier. For example, instead of wrestling with a tangled mess of lights every year, consider investing in a spool organizer (a notched piece of 2×4 wood works as a great DIY light organizer, too) to neatly wrap and store them. Stock up on command hooks and zip ties!
Thinking about switching up your color scheme next year? Check out Coastal Christmas Decor Ideas for subtle seaside-inspired palettes that could bring a fresh, calming vibe to your holiday decor.
These small upgrades can make all the difference next year! Pair this with your photos so you can shop intentionally during post-holiday sale. Keep an eye out for end-of-season deals to snag decor in your chosen colors and be ready to refresh your look next year!
5. Include Outdoor Decor
Don’t forget to photograph your outdoor setup too—those wreath placements, light patterns, or how you spaced the inflatables. And don’t stop there! If you’ve created gorgeous pots of greenery for your porch or entryway, snap a few close-ups.
These arrangements are often a labor of love, and having photos of how you layered branches, added accents, or arranged lights will make recreating them next year a total breeze. Outdoor decor can be a puzzle, and a quick snapshot solves it in seconds next year.
6. Save Holiday Pinterest Inspo
While you’re at it, add a Pinterest board with ideas that inspire you for the next holiday season. Save pins that complement your existing decor photos so you can mix in fresh ideas seamlessly.
7. Turn It Into a Memory Tradition
Each year, as you organize and reference your photos, take a moment to reflect on the memories you made in those spaces. Did you host a killer party in that dining room? Laugh around the tree with the kids? Those photos aren’t just a time-saver—they’re memory keepers too.
8. Party vs. Everyday Holiday Decor
Your kitchen counters can do double-duty this season! Snap a photo of your regular Christmas decor arrangement and your holiday party setup. Whether it’s a charming “Eat, Drink, and Be Merry” sign for the party or a cozy arrangement with a snowflake tray and greenery for everyday decor, having photos of both setups makes it easy to recreate the look for any occasion next year.
By taking a little extra time this year to document your Christmas decor, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free, joyful decorating experience next year. With this simple system, you can enjoy an organized Christmas that’s just as magical—and way less stressful! 🎄
BONUS: One more thing…
Don’t Forget This Before You Decorate Next Year
My biggest tip before you even start decorating for Christmas? Take photos of your regular decor first! It never fails—when it’s time to pack up the holiday magic and put back your everyday decor, you’re left feeling overwhelmed and frustrated because you can’t quite remember how things were.
A few quick snapshots of your year-round setup will save you so much time and effort when transitioning back after the holidays. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
Because holiday prep should be merry, not messy!
