A quick and simple grinch-like hack that will become your Christmas tradition

A new Christmas tradition that will bring parents joy, and no, it's not the Elf! 

We all know that Christmas is a time for family, traditions, joy, presents and mess. Oh the mess, the mess mess mess mess mess. Which is something we simply can't stand. And no that doesn’t make you a grinch, just a parent. 

 

However, we’ve come up with a truly excellent trick to declutter right before Christmas and sneak in a cheeky toy purge. 

All you need is a Santa sack and a little white lie. 

It’s called the Santa Sack Method.

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What is the Santa Sack Method?

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, start asking the kids to go through their toys a la Marie Condo. If it doesn’t spark joy - it's time to say thank you and give it to Santa. Have your kids choose 10-15 old toys to put into a Santa sack (also called the Give Back Sack).

The idea is the toys are still in good condition to be donated to other children. 

Respect your child's boundaries and allow THEM to choose which toys they're ready to part with. Something that looks like "junk" to you may be very special to them.

Depending on your child's age, they may need a little guidance from you. If you're stuck, start by challenging your child to find at least five toys that they want to give to Santa.

On Christmas Eve, you tell the kids to put their old toys under the tree for Santa to take back to the North Pole to fix up, and give to other children. 

In the morning their old toys are ‘magically’ replaced with perfectly wrapped presents under the tree. Happy days! 

Wrapping is done! Image: iStock

Why it works

The Santa Sack Method of purging works because it encourages kids to be generous, they learn to appreciate their toys and it gives them “nice list” cred - while also clearing space in your house to make room for the new arrivals.

You can go the extra mile - that is if you have time - to make your own Santa sacks. 

Take it one step further…

While wrapping the old toys isn’t necessary, it might be a great idea to keep the kids occupied. If they aren’t up to that level of hand-eye coordination, have them draw on paper to use for the wrapping paper. 

Another tidbit to help “sell” the white lie, have Santa leave a personalised note behind thanking your kids for being so generous to other boys and girls around the world, who need those toys a little bit more. 

Maybe that small window, in between recreating another epic scene for your Elf on the shelf? 

Ready to kick off this tradition in your own house? Grab a Santa sack and start decluttering. 

Originally published as A quick and simple grinch-like hack that will become your Christmas tradition