We’ve created the ultimate holiday home checklist that includes 11 necessary tasks to complete before Christmas arrives! The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the joy of hosting your loved ones in your home. Before you start decking your halls, it’s crucial to ensure that your space is welcoming and ready for your family and loved ones. By following these steps, you can transform your home into a stress-free and inviting haven that will make this holiday season truly memorable.
Being a working mom and housewife, I’ve found that I like to take the month of November to mentally shift to these tasks and get myself set up. However, I usually have to wait until the week of Thanksgiving when I have a few days off work to get fully on board in getting ready for the holidays!
IMPLEMENT A FULL-HOUSE CLEANING SCHEDULE
As you work your way through the holiday home checklist, it’s essential to consider the cleanliness of every room in your house.
Here are the steps you should follow for ultimate success:
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- Begin with the common areas of your home. Vacuum the carpets, sweep and mop the floors, and dust all surfaces. Pay attention to high-traffic areas like the living room and dining area. Wipe down tables, countertops, and other frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner to keep germs at bay.
- Next, move on to the bathrooms. Scrub the toilets, sinks, and showers to remove any dirt or grime. Stock up on fresh towels and toiletries, ensuring that your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay. Don’t forget to clean the mirrors and replace any worn-out bathroom accessories.
- In the bedrooms, change the sheets, fluff the pillows, and dust the furniture. Pay attention to details like bedside tables, lamps, and window sills. It’s the little things that can make a big difference in creating a clean and welcoming environment.
- Don’t overlook the kitchen, as this is likely to be a central hub for holiday meals and gatherings. Clean out the refrigerator and discard any expired food items. Wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, appliances, and cabinets. Check your stock of cooking utensils, pots and pans, and dishware to ensure you have everything you need for holiday cooking and entertaining.
- Finally, don’t forget about the outdoor areas. Sweep the porch or patio, clear away any debris, and ensure that outdoor furniture is clean and ready for use. If you have a grill or fire pit, make sure they are in working order and clean for any outdoor cooking or cozy gatherings.
Please check out our article on Housekeeping for the Busy Mom for a more thorough plan. AND, we are so excited! We just added a added a Housekeeping Checklist in our Shop Section! This is the first Make the Simple Life downloadable Action Plan! We have lots more in store for 2024 to get all the areas of your life organized and running smooth!
MAKE A FOOD AND GIFT SHOPPING LIST
With the cleaning complete, it’s time to move on to the next crucial step in preparing your home for the holidays – making a food and gift shopping list.
Follow these steps and you can’t go wrong:
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- Start by considering the number of guests you will be hosting and any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have. This will help you tailor your menu to accommodate everyone’s needs and ensure you have a variety of options to choose from. Whether you’re planning a traditional feast or a casual gathering, be sure to include all the necessary ingredients and any special items you might need for the occasion.
- In addition to the meals, don’t forget to make a shopping list for gifts. Think about each of your loved ones individually and consider their interests and tastes. Make your money spent worthwhile by selecting meaningful presents that they will truly appreciate. From small tokens of appreciation to heartfelt gestures, there are endless options to choose from.
YES, I am still a traditional Black Friday shopper! I don’t stress to find sales and get there when the doors open. My girls and I just look around to get ideas of what they and other family would enjoy. For fun shopping ideas check out Shop Local, Save Local!
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- Once you have your food and gift shopping list ready, it’s time to head to the store and start checking items off your list. Be sure to prioritize perishable items and any special ingredients that may be harder to find. Consider shopping early to avoid the holiday rush and potential shortages, ensuring that you have everything you need well in advance.
SCHEDULE YOUR TIME
With your food and gift shopping list complete, the next step in your holiday home checklist is scheduling your time. Allocate specific time slots for each task to approach the remaining preparations with efficiency and ease. Consider the amount of time each task will require and your own availability during the days leading up to your guests’ arrival. Start by prioritizing the tasks that are time-sensitive or require specific timing.
DECLUTTER YOUR HOME
Tackle the next task on your holiday home checklist: decluttering your house. Create a clean and inviting space for your guests by focusing on one room at a time and setting aside designated areas for items that need to be thrown away, donated, or stored away. Consider the functionality of each space, and part ways with any items that are no longer needed or have been outgrown. Don’t forget to pay attention to hidden spaces that often accumulate excess items, such as closets, drawers, and storage areas. For a step by step action plan please refer to Leah’s blog How to Declutter Your Home and Make Space for Your Christmas Gifts.
BUDGET YOUR SPENDING
As much as we love giving at Christmas, it can be financially daunting. Set a budget for your holiday home preparations and determine how much you’re willing to spend on each aspect. Make a list of the essentials, prioritize these key elements, and allocate a portion of your budget accordingly. Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and coupons that can help you save a few extra dollars. DIY wherever possible to add a personal touch to your holiday home while saving money. Let’s remember what we’re really celebrating and if the money we’re spending would be pleasing to Jesus.
In conclusion, by following these simple steps, you can create a stress-free and inviting atmosphere for Christmas! With a clear plan in place for scheduling your time, decluttering your house, and budgeting your spending, you’ll be able to approach each task with focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. So start tackling these tasks and make memories that will last a lifetime. Remember, “a clean home is a happy home,” and with our checklist, your home will be both clean and welcoming.
Enjoy all the holidays this season!
Stacia