In our house, Christmas is a time for dragging out all the decorations from years past.  Each box is like a treasure chest, full of exciting surprises that bring back memories from years gone by.  I love unwrapping ornaments with pictures of the boys, especially those from the early years when they cried on Santa’s lap… their utter joy was infectious during this time of year.

Now, though, I like to get the “mess” cleaned up ASAP after Christmas.  If I could, I’d clean it all up the day of Christmas, but usually I hold off the OCD tendencies and wait until two days after.

Fa la la la laaaaaa.

So, while I do all that putting away and sweeping up needles, I like to organize the hell out of everything in site.  It’s kinda my thing to do for the new year.  Everyone pretty much steers clear of me and hides anything they really wish to keep, so it doesn’t get donated away. (Actually, it was my husband that donated one of the boys’ Build-a-Bear named “Me, the Bear”…. not I.)

I love this Pan Tree, a true organizers dream, because you will never have to search for the lid to go with any pan, ever, because it will be right there.  Organizes and stores up to 14 pieces of cookware on either the countertop (no no no) or in a cabinet (yes yes yes).  Creates order easily, even if you don’t tend to be the obsessive anal-retentive type.

Pan Tree – $20