Graphic by Lexi Marcellino

Less is more, at least, that’s what mothers say when giving slices of chocolate cake to their children. Now that Black Friday has come and gone and so have the paychecks of millions of consumers, one must ask, “Did I really need that third mixing bowl for 50 percent off?”

After Black Friday, one might have two flat screen TVs, 12 sweatshirts, and three new pairs of headphones. Before Black Friday, one already had a flat screen TV, enough sweatshirts to survive a Boston snowstorm, and too many headphones to count.

The deals are too irresistible. 50 percent off your fourth pair of socks or buy six blankets and get one free, how can one resist the amazing world of ads and billboard signs that circle the average consumer?

Now that you can’t even open the door to your room because of the miscellaneous items you have scattered about, it is time to sift through the clutter and get rid of some of the junk.

In the spirit of the holidays, you can donate your unwanted items to several organizations. The teddy bear you haven’t looked at since you were six could go to the American Red Cross, the jeans you wore a handful of times in eighth grade can be donated to the Salvation Army, or the duplicate board game you have sitting on the top shelf of your closet can go to the toy drives at school.

Buying is easier than giving away. The idea of letting go of your favorite puppy T-shirt may be too much to bear. So look at everything you have purchased and ask yourself, “Does this make me happy?”

This is more of an art than one would think. After letting go of an unflattering shirt or the shoes that pinch your toes, you may find yourself feeling more positive and refreshed. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Japanese organizing consultant and author Marie Kondo teaches you how to do just this.

Simply go into your closet or toy chest and hold up that action figure you forgot you had, then ask “does this make me happy?” If you have trouble coming to the answer or respond with a “no,” it is time to leave Superman behind. The same process applies to clothes, shoes, or any other items you possess. Once you have a closet that has a floor or a bedroom with a clean desk, you will notice the items you truly appreciate and be able to enjoy them more.

All of the unwanted items can serve someone else who wants what you have grown out of. After going through the mountain of items you had and keeping the ones that serve a purpose to you, you will be able to enjoy your extra flat screen TV and new headphones much more. Superman will find a home with someone who can utilize him and those jeans you barely wore will be able to fit someone else perfectly.

In the season of giving, buying for yourself is one of the joys, but being able to let go of items that no longer suit you can also make a huge difference in both your life and the lives of others.

Maybe mom was right; less is more.