Try our new AI-boosted ARTIAssist for FREE on your own Artifcts. Add historical and factual details to your Artifcts, and learn what similar items have sold for in recent months.
Decluttering and Organizing to Create a Welcoming Space for the Holidays
December 10, 2025
If you want to truly enjoy the holidays and not just operate in survival mode, take some advice from Santa Claus himself, who’s known for “Making a list and checking it twice.”
While you could potentially remember everything that needs to get done and also smoothly delegate along the way, why would you do that to yourself when you could plan it out and recycle and update those plans year after year? You wouldn’t be the first person to wing it and then gasp when they realize they’re missing a particular gift, key ingredient, or even the tickets to the annual holiday lights show that they never miss.
Today in ARTIcles by Artifcts, we’re sharing tips from the pros in hopes of keeping your holiday season merry and bright.
The following is based on the Fall 2023 Evenings with Artifcts episode featuring C. Lee Cawley of simplify YOU, Jill Katz of One to Zen Organizing, and Samara Goodman of Samara Interiors. If you prefer to watch the Evenings conversation, pop over to YouTube now.
__________________
Shift Your Frame of Mind and Start with Clear Goals
The holiday season is filled with micro changes to your routines and your home, which can make even the most laid back among us a bit stressed out and edgy, Jill told us. While Jill specializes in organizational services for neurodivergent people, you’ll discover her strategies and tools can keep us all in the holiday spirit.
WHERE IS YOUR MIND AT ON ALL THINGS HOLIDAYS?
To counteract feelings of frustration and anxiety, Jill suggests shifting your frame of mind about the lead up and the moments that make up your holidays in two key ways:
First, embrace that preparation is part of the holiday fun.Give yourself the space during the weeks ahead for prep activities like:
Choosing gifts thoughtfully, not frantically
Hand writing notes on holiday cards
Planning menus that come together to light up everyone’s taste buds
Creating music playlists
Second, absolutely avoid urges for perfection. Take a step back and remember why you are doing all this to start with and breathe. What do you want to remember about this holiday one year from now? Five years from now? We bet it’s about how you felt, not whether that centerpiece matched Martha Stewart’s design or that cake looked as good on your table as it did for Ina Garten.
WHAT WILL SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
Now let’s consider your goals for the season. Are your holiday plans designed to guarantee more family time? Are you seeking to create a new holiday tradition this year?
To reach your goals and avoid madly racing thoughts that will detract from what’s important, track your holiday routines and to-dos. This will also help you to avoid starting from scratch next year. While you might like a pad of paper or digital note, hands down our panel recommends digitally accessible and customizable spreadsheets.
Before you decide spreadsheets are too intense or complicated, hear us out. A spreadsheet lets you simply list out your to-dos based on when they need to be done, e.g. 4 weeks out, 3 weeks out etc., so you can keep track of the multitude of tasks and subtasks that are part of your holiday routine.
Common holiday to-do items from our panelists’ own spreadsheets:
Taking out and putting up decorations
Buying tickets for a holiday event
Planning the menu and its corresponding shopping list
Ordering custom holiday cards (and noting the “no later than” date for getting them mailed)
Gathering or buying materials related to annual traditions
Making any needed repairs around the house before guests arrive
Choosing and selecting a hostess gift for parties you’ll attend
Tackling cleaning tasks big and small
Pressing tablecloths and napkins
Buying flowers for the table or around the house
Ordering items that will sell out early or have shipping timelines that could threaten your fun
Creating a Welcoming Space
Hosting this year? Great. We’re ready with tips for you.
PAPER CLUTTER
As the holiday season begins, get a strategy in place for one of the top sources of holiday clutter: paper! We’re talking about cards and flyers, donation requests from charities, and holiday cards, too.
C. Lee suggests buying or repurposing a decorative bin (with a lid) that you don’t mind setting out in your space to catch all the incoming catalogs and other generic mail. “But have a second box just for holiday cards that you do not want miss and may also include checks, cash, or gift cards.”
You’ll also likely generate some necessary paperwork during the holidays that C. Lee recommends you place into a durable labeled folder. What might this include? Copies of travel documents and itineraries, last year’s holiday card (to help you decide on this year’s), gift lists and ideas, receipts, and more.
Pre- or post-holidays, our handy Get Papered checklist can help you declutter all that paper! CLICK THE IMAGE to access this list and others and download for free!
ALL THINGS HOLIDAY
Clutter aside, let's move on to holiday decor and more! As an interior decorator who naturally embraces many principles of home organizers, Samara suggests that in decorating for the holidays and preparing for guests you think about all five senses.
“Often people think about what the room looks like, and what the menu will taste like, but what about touch? Cozy blankets and that feeling of warmth around you can be so inviting. As for sound, music sets the tone, ranging from upbeat and playful to quiet and calming, and helps you to transition through an event, too. And smell can go beyond your menu. Keep a pot of simmering mulled cider on the stovetop to evoke memories and warmth. And use cloves and cinnamon sticks to fill a decorative vase.”
Samara also favors natural decorations that are compostable, inexpensive, and reusable. You can check out ideas from her here. A simple glass hurricane with a white pillar candle can be filled with red and green candies during the winter holidays, sand and shells in the summer, and acorns or lentils in the fall. Likewise, you do not need a Christmas bowl. An elegant neutral bowl of clear glass, bronze or silver, or smooth wood can grace your home during any season or occasion. Just add festive ornaments at Christmas and enjoy!
Iconic gingerbread houses offer instant, homemade, and compostable decor! CLICK THE IMAGE to view this Artifcted house.
GUESTS WHO WILL SPEND ONE NIGHT OR MORE
If guests are coming to stay, you can easily discover online list upon list of items that you may want to have out and about to make your guests feel at home. Some things are small and easily done if you think of it, such as a small sign with your wi-fi password in a high traffic location as well as by their bedside.
Other things you maybe already have and/or do by routine anyway. Our favorites:
Laying out a sleep mask in case the sleep space is brighter than in their home
Providing a fan or sound machine in their bedroom
Clearing closet space and adding spare hangers along with a luggage rack
Placing a carafe or similar for water in their bedroom
Topping up or replacing basic toiletries
C. Lee also suggests repurposing wine glass tags for regular coffee mugs and glasses to avoid stress and confusion as to which glass belongs to which guest (and reduce dishes). And we also love her suggestion to leave out a note along with some plates/bowls, breakfast foods, and coffee/tea directions so that they can help themselves when they wake up and you can relax into your day.
A breakfast treat like coffee cake can be made ahead (even well ahead and frozen), and pulled out for all to enjoy at whatever hour they roll out of bed!
It's Okay to Control the Chaos When Guests are Staying
About those guests of yours: Keep your eye on the prize. Priorities shift when guests are in the house. Do you feel more like, "Your home, your rules?" Maybe treat your rules more like guidelines.
Set boundaries only where necessary to keep everyone (pets included) safe and to preserve your sanity. We’re willing to wager that more often than not your friends and family will follow along if they know your boundaries and general modes of operation. Just give them a nudge! For example, add a temporary over-the-door rack to hang multiple coats so people know where they can store coats and bags if you don’t want them strewn about. And if you are a shoe-free household, post a little sign and offer skid free socks to put on for their comfort and safety.
Guests are gone? Now is when you can reset and return things to normal around the house. Do not try to do this while they are there; it’s like fighting gravity. Is that really how you want to expend your energy while they are there and you’re trying to enjoy time together?
Tips for Making the 11th Hour Less Stressful
Remember that spreadsheet? We mentioned sorting it by weeks. Well, you may also want to create a timetable for the day of your event, says C. Lee, so you and everyone else remembers/knows when each thing needs to happen. When does each dish need to go in the oven? When will you light the candles and start the music? Who is arriving and when?
And what are old school sticky notes good for when it comes to the holidays? Delegation! Jill reminded us all to ask for and accept help. And even if you truly have it under control, you can appreciate that you’ll have folks joining the festivities who will feel more comfortable if they can help in some way.
Pop a sticky note next to the salad bowl, ingredients, and recipe, and say, “Make me!” Or add a note next to the stack of plates, flatware, and glasses and, write “Ready for the table.” If you coordinated in advance or simply know who will want which task, label the note with their name.
Samara encourages you to work ahead to set the table, which can be a serious effort depending on the number of place settings, the distance your table is from where all the essentials are stored, and how many layers of decorations, flatware and glasses, and more you add to complete the table.
“And if you don’t have a separate table you can decorate in advance, create a table setting box with everything you’ll need, including the tablecloth, napkins, candles, candle sticks. For items you can’t put in the box, like place settings, platters and glasses, make a list and add to the box to check off as you set the table.”
One more 11th hour prep tip is about gift opening. Have your helper tools stationed and ready. This might mean a bag for ribbons (to reuse) and another bag for non-recyclable wrapping and tissue papers. And to avoid losing anything in that holiday mess, have a box set out where small gifts can be popped into temporarily. Oh, and don’t forget to have a safety cutter on hand for eager gift receivers to open tough tape, boxes, and plastic covers without landing in the emergency room.
The Final Word
We asked our panelists for their final few words of advice to avoid getting our tinsel in a tangle. Here’s what they offered:
Simplify hostess gifts by picking one item to give to each hostess that season. Avoid more ‘stuff’ and go with consumables like wine, an evergreen potted plant, or special gourmet treats.
Which leads to… embrace regifting! If it’s a distinctive and memorable gift, perhaps just avoid regifting it inside the same circle of friends or colleagues to avoid awkward moments.
Centerpieces can be created well ahead of time and even done as an event, together with friends and family, for an instant tradition!
Minimize how much new you take on during the holiday season: one new decoration, one new recipe, one new tradition.
Plan in downtime so you can enjoy the season without being drained by it.
And with that, happy holidays AND happy Artifcting!
In a world where messages often zip by in seconds and memories can slip through the cracks of daily life, Artifcts offers something beautiful: a way to say “you matter” that’s tangible, personal, and lasting.
An Artifct isn’t just a photo, a story, or a digital file — it’s a love note stitched together with meaning. It’s a moment preserved in time, carefully captured and shared with intention. It becomes a topic of conversation, a happy memory shared, a new story discovered. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, reconnecting across time and distance, or simply saying “I love you,” Artifcts transforms everyday objects and memories into meaningful expressions of affection.
How Artifcts Becomes a Love Language
At its heart, Artifcts is about connection: between family, across generations, and even between friends. When we slow down to document why something matters — not just what it is — we invite others into our world, our stories, and our hearts.
Objects gain power when their stories are told. A simple recipe card becomes a warm memory of Sunday dinners. A well-worn baseball glove becomes proof of childhood dedication. These are the stories that make the Artifcts priceless.
When you share an Artifct, you’re doing more than sending a file — you’re offering understanding, appreciation, and connection.
A special Valentine's Day gift from mother to daughter. Sorry, this Artifct is private!
Artifcts: Love Across Time and Distance
One of the most magical aspects of Artifcts is that it lets you share love no matter where you are. Whether family members are across town or across the globe, an Artifct carries emotions and memories in a way that text messages and social feeds simply can’t.
Meaningful moments and photos you never want to forget
This shared remnant of life becomes a bridge between your world and someone else’s, a shared narrative that deepens relationships and invites ongoing conversation.
Tips for Creating Truly Heartfelt Artifcts
Ready to make Artifcts that resonate deeply with those you love? Here are thoughtful tips and tricks to ensure your Artifcts are full of heart value:
🧡 1. Start With Why
Every meaningful Artifct begins with a why — a reason that goes beyond the object itself. Ask yourself:
Why does this keepsake matter to me?
What memory does this memento spark?
Why have I kept this item all these years?
Share those answers as part of the Artifct’s description.
📸 2. Combine Media for Richer Stories
Blend photos, videos, and voice recordings to tell a fuller story. Hearing someone’s voice or seeing a moment in motion adds emotional depth that text alone can’t match. Whether it’s the history behind a treasured heirloom or the tale of a favorite trip, capturing details while they’re still fresh and in your loved ones own words adds richness that’s irreplaceable.
🗣️ 3. Include Personal Reflections
A heartfelt Artifct isn’t just about facts, it’s about feelings too. Take a moment to reflect on:
What this object means to you
How it connects to someone else
Why you’re sharing it now
These reflections will help make your Artifcts feel personal and intimate.
🎁 4. Share with Intent
When you share an Artifct, think of it as a digital gift: add a message that tells the recipient why you chose to Artifct and share this item with them. Just like thoughtful gifts in real life, these intentional Artifcts become keepsakes of the heart.
The Art of Saying “I Love You” with Artifcts
In a culture filled with fleeting interactions, Artifcts invites us to pause, reflect, and communicate what matters most. It’s more than documentation, it’s devotion. It’s a love language for our digital age. So whether you’re commemorating a birthday, sharing a treasured family memory, or simply telling someone you’re thinking of them, let Artifcts help you speak from the heart.
This Valentine's Day as you pause for a moment to absorb all the positive in life, surprise someone—friend, sister, neighbor, professor, parent, son—with an Artifct!
We get questions every day from people wondering what they should Artifct first. There’s no right answer, because the things you collect, accumulate, and inherit are as diverse as is the content of the world’s most amazing estate sale or flea market (or Grandmas' closet).
Today we’re sharing fun and thoughtful starter prompts in a series of lists to help anyone create their first Artifct or their 100th Artifct—whether it's sentimental, quirky, or just a favorite item with a cool backstory. Because the fact is the stuff we keep, and the mere act of taking seconds to Artifct that, can tell others more about us than the most formal or thoughtful of interviews or workbooks.
🧠 Memory-Based Prompts
What’s the oldest thing you own—and why do you still have it?
Tell the story of a gift you’ll never forget (yes, even if you accidentally lost the item).
What item reminds you most of someone you’ve loved and lost?
What’s something you’d want your great-grandchildren to know you owned?
😂 Light & Fun Prompts
What’s the weirdest item in your junk drawer, and why is it still there? No cheating. Go open it and Artifct that!
What’s your favorite T-shirt or mug—and what’s the story behind it?
What’s something that you brought home from a vacation that still makes you smile?
What's the silliest photo you've taken this year? Artifct the photo and the story behind it.
🎶 Music, Pop Culture, and Hobbies
What’s the first concert or event you ever went to? Do you still have the ticket or merch?
Share an item related to your favorite movie, book, or band.
What hobby item (camera, sewing machine, old bike) has the most history for you?
What game, toy, or gadget meant the world to you growing up?
🏠 Everyday Meaning
What’s one recipe card or cookbook you couldn’t live without?
Is there a piece of furniture in your home with a backstory?
What’s an item in your garage, attic, or basement you keep moving but can’t throw away?
💼 Work & Milestones
What item represents a proud work moment or accomplishment?
Choose something from a graduation, award, or “big day.”
What’s the story behind your first paycheck or ID badge?
These prompts aren’t just about choosing what to Artifct first—they’re invitations. Invitations to ask better questions, to listen a little longer, and to discover the stories that often surface only when we slow down together. Whether you’re sitting around the table at a family reunion, visiting grandparents, or catching up with loved ones you don’t see often enough, these moments can turn everyday conversations into lasting connections.
This year, let curiosity lead the way. Use these prompts to spark meaningful exchanges, uncover memories you’ve never heard before, and preserve the stories that matter most—while the people who lived them can still tell them in their own words. One Artifct at a time, you’re not just capturing objects or memories, you’re deepening relationships and building a shared history your family can return to again and again.
If you’ve spent any time reading about downsizing, decluttering, or estate planning, you’ve probably seen this line repeated over and over: your kids don’t want your stuff. Full stop. End of story.
Major publications from The Atlantic to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) have documented this myth time and again. In one of the many pieces about family heirlooms and inheritance, the author, Robbie Shell, notes that many parents find themselves surprised when their adult children “turn down many more items than they accept” when offered keepsakes, highlighting a common reality: the things we think matter often aren’t wanted simply as objects without context.
But based on what we see every day at Artifcts, that narrative is missing something important.
Yes—your children may not want random stuff. An extra side table with no backstory? A box of unidentified knickknacks? Probably not. But meaningful things? Objects that hold memories, history, and connection? That’s a very different story.
It’s Not About the Object. It’s About the Meaning.
That dining room table where birthdays were celebrated, homework was done, and holidays stretched late into the night? That’s not just furniture—it’s a witness to family life.The love letters Grandpa sent Grandma during World War II? That’s not paper—it’s proof of a love that endured separation, uncertainty, and time.
When items are stripped of their stories, they lose their power. But when you take a moment to document why something matters, everything changes.
From “No One Wants It” to “It’s Been Rehomed!”
We hear this transformation all the time from Artifcts members.
An object sits untouched for years because no one understands its significance. Then the story is shared—the memory, the moment, the reason it mattered—and suddenly the response shifts. A sibling claims it. A grandchild treasures it. A family member who never would have raised their hand now says, “I had no idea. I’d love to have that.”
One of our favorite stories we’ve heard over the years is from one of our Artifcts members, Grandmom. She lovingly told of how no one wanted her beloved china set until one day, one member of her family decided to ask her about the story behind the china set. To everyone’s surprise, the china set was not a wedding gift, but rather a piece of family history with a great story.
Turns out Grandmom was “kindly requested” to purchase a china set for 12 by the US Ambassador while stationed in Liberia, because “Well Martha, it’s high time you and Bobby start entertaining.”
Once the story is known, the item isn’t just kept—it’s rehomed. In this case, happily rehomed with one of her three sons, with his daughter already claiming “dibs” on it once she settles down.
The Power of Heart Value
Not everything valuable has a price tag. Some things are priceless because they carry heart value—the emotional connection that binds one generation to the next.
At Artifcts, we see how even the most seemingly insignificant objects can take on new meaning once their story is discovered. A recipe card. A tool. A piece of jewelry worn every day but never discussed. These items become bridges between past and future when their stories are preserved and shared.
These items become bridges between past and future when their stories are preserved and shared.
Our Takeaway?
The myth isn’t that no one wants your stuff. The truth is this: people want the stories—and if you never ask, you’ll never know what might matter.
Our co-founder Heather experienced this firsthand just the other week. Her father was cleaning out his cellar and came across the old family toboggan. Before tossing it in the Goodwill pile, he asked, “do you want this?” and much to his (and Heather’s spouse’s) surprise, the answer was a quick “yes!”
So many meaningful objects are lost simply because no one paused to ask the questions:What is this? Why does it matter? What’s special about it? Do you want it?
When you take time to ask your loved ones about the items in their lives—or invite them to ask you—you open the door to discovery. You uncover memories, moments, and meanings that might otherwise disappear. And once those stories are documented and shared, what seemed unwanted often becomes deeply desired.
Moreoever, simply asking your loved ones if they want an item gives them a chance to engage in conversation with you about the item, memories, and stories. With Artifcts the simple act of asking transforms uncertainty into connection. It turns “no one wants this” into “I didn’t know—and now I care.”
Because in the end, it’s not really about ‘stuff’ at all. It’s about listening, learning, and preserving the stories that connect generations before they’re gone.
###
You might also enjoy reading these related ARTIcles:
This website uses only essential cookies to provide reliable and secure services, streamline your experience, allow you to share content from this website on social media, and to analyze how our Site is used. Learn more about these cookies and cookie settings.
Accept & Continue
Oops! This Web Browser Version is Unsupported
You received this warning because you are using an unsupported browser. Some features of Artifcts will not be available or will be displayed improperly until you update to the latest version or change browsers.
You received this warning because you are using an unsupported browser. Some features of Artifcts will not be available or will be displayed improperly until you update to the latest version or change browsers.
A special Valentine's Day gift from mother to daughter. Sorry, this Artifct is private! 
