Demons created from violence or disturbed emotions can become real trouble, giving rise to what we would recognize as poltergeist activity. Obviously, no one wants this, but when it does happen, mages are called upon to banish the demon. Since demons can potentially live a long time, you and your family may not have been the ones who manifested the thing throwing books and dishes around now. It could be quite old, and just hasn’t had anyone to bother for many years.