Getting Your Home Ready for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
Holidays are meant to be a time filled with celebrating, attending special events, and eating. Yet, holidays also bring anxiety, stress, and chaos. Setting the stage for a successful holiday season begins with thoughtful planning and preparation. Here are steps you can take to lessen stress and prepare your home to be filled with joy!
1. Plan Your Holiday Calendar and Shopping Lists
Time is your most precious commodity when planning your holidays. Map out the events you intend to enjoy with your family and friends: trick-or-treating, costume parades, large family gatherings, office parties, cooking big meals, and baking holiday treats. Once you have an idea of all the events, you can track the time needed to prepare for each one. Create a shopping list of items you will need for cooking and baking. Consider adding the items you need to your upcoming grocery shopping list. For example, buy treats for the ghouls and witches who will ring your doorbell and get staples needed for baking and cooking.
2. Declutter and Decorate Gradually
Decorating your home for the holidays doesn’t need to happen all at once. After you have decluttered and done a deep clean, start by adding seasonal touches—like festive pillows, table runners, and decor that evokes the holiday. Small steps will make the process of decorating much less taxing. Pumpkins in October become jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. A cornucopia with ears of Indian corn and gourds is apt for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, and twinkling lights in December bring in that holiday spirit.
3. Prepare for Holiday Cooking and Baking
To avoid the last-minute scramble for the ingredients you will need for cooking and baking, choose your recipes and take stock of the ingredients you may need. What kinds of meals or treats will you need to prepare? Festive dinners with family? Potlucks with neighbors? Office or work parties?
4. Thoughtful Gift-Giving
The holiday season is filled with gift-giving, often out of obligation. Though the sentiment is lovely, you need to make time to truly consider purchasing gifts that will not become clutter for the recipient. Make a list of the people you want to gift during the holidays and make notes about what you think they could use and will truly appreciate.
Why Start Planning Now?
Starting your holiday prep early isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter. Give yourself the gift of avoiding holiday stress and angst, and make it possible to enjoy the celebrations and connections with loved ones.
So, take a deep breath, write down your tasks, and get started on creating a holiday that brings joy rather than stress.
Ready to take the stress out of holiday prep?
Let us help you get your home in tip-top shape for the season. Whether it’s decluttering, decorating, or planning, we’ve got you covered! Contact us today to schedule a consultation and make this holiday season truly enjoyable.
