A few additional thoughts:

You love the giver…

…but you hate the gift.

It’s an old dilemma (with a chewy nugget of guilt at its core).

You choose to display (or at least keep around) certain items because those items were given to you by someone special.

Even if you don’t like / need / want the item… even if the item is taking up valuable space… even if the item doesn’t enhance your environment… it stays.

Cuz how could you possibly throw or give the item away? Especially if the giver is now deceased! (Although I know for sure some folks are waiting for that occasion to finally act.)

I believe, in every exchange, the “gift” you are being given is NOT the object but the intention of the giver.

And if the giver needs to see their gift displayed as “proof” of your affection for them, understand that that means they have a internal knot they need to untie (which likely has nothing to do with you).

Not every gift will click with you, and that’s okay.

Accepting each present with gratitude honors the giver; creating and maintaining a supportive, uncluttered environment in which to live honors yourself.

Onward!