Let's face it, with winter fast approaching, now is the time to do all that cleaning and organizing we have not done all year because we were too busy "going fishing". I'm sure all of your rods and reels could use a good cleaning and oiling, and for sure those tackle boxes need to be sorted and cleaned out. (Hopefully you got to fish enough to get them messy and dirty - if you didn't then you need a major overhaul in your fishing strategy next spring!)
First things first - you have to make room to be able to spread out in the living room (or den, if you prefer). This may take a little finesse. Try bringing in only one tackle box at a time, and preferably while every one else is gone Christmas shopping. That way when they return they won't notice the mess as much. If you do this process slowly, and hide the tackle boxes under the couch and coffee table, you should be pretty effective at taking over your little "nook". You will then have the pleasure of cleaning and sorting and still enjoy the happy company of your family (or the TV, whatever).
Now you're going to need a little space. Piece by piece you need to find new homes for all the "stuff" littering the coffee table. Do it slowly, and if you find just the right new home nobody will be any the wiser, they'll just think the house is getting professionally decorated! Try to get your comfy chair close to a corner, you will need the rods and reels to stand up so as not to take up too much space! The less chance for argument and unpleasantness the better!
Okay, now your family should appreciate this little undertaking of yours. How much easier you are making their lives by doing this at this particular time! It is almost Christmas and you can make your wish list for them just by checking out your overtaken space! How much easier can you make it for them? They should greatly appreciate the grand gesture you have made to help them find your perfect Christmas gift(s)!
Happy Holidays to one and all, and Please Remember the REASON for the SEASON!