Lights:
The old lets-wrap-it-around-our-arm-like-a-garden-hose method is dumb. You might as well wad them up into a ball and throw them into a sack. Because come next year, that's what you're going to a have. A sack full of tangled lights. Let's fix that.
Ornaments:
Obviously it would be best to put ornaments back in their original packaging. You know, the packaging you threw away three weeks ago. But since the box your precious ornaments arrived in is currently being mulched, egg crates are your best bet. The styrofoam egg crates are best, but the gray cardboard ones will work as well. Just place your ornament in the egg crate and smash down the barriers needed to give it a firm fit. when you family asks why you're eating scrambled eggs for every dinner, tell them it's Santa's fault.
Garland:
Remember when I had you cut squares of cardboard up for storing your holiday lights? (It was like 20 seconds ago, dude...) Do that again, except you'll probably only need one square. Unless you're some sort of garland aficionado. In that case, you need more help than I can offer. Anywho, cut two-inch slits on either side of your cardboard about three inches apart. Each garland should be wrapped into the slits that line up. This will keep the garlands from getting tangled over the summer and makes a fancy board with strips of shiny string on it.
Popcorn string:
Throw it away. Unless you want ants.
Star/Menorah:
This is the centerpiece of your entire holiday. Wrap in bubble wrap and put in it's own box for safe keeping. I shouldn't have to tell you this. But just in case you're hopped up on egg nog and you don't know any better.
Trees:
Real tree: Find out from your local sanitation department what day tree pick up is. Have your tree ready. If they want it in a bag. Bag it where it stood. Don't drag it around the house dropping needles everywhere.
Fake Tree: The fold up trees are the best. Just push the branches up and put it in a box. If you have to remove each branch. Start from the top and work your way down. That way next year, you won;t have to decide which branches go where on the tree because they're already in order.
Storage:
Finally: where to put it all. Pick up one of those giant plastic/rubber containers they sell at the hardware store and Target. Place all your items in there. Close it up. Pack it away. Cardboard can get wet or smashed and that'll just end up destroying your holiday decorations.
That's it. Enjoy New Year's Eve knowing next year you won't spend five hours untangling wires. It's a holiday miracle.
Article credit: Gizmodo