This morning, I grabbed my cup of coffee, looked around my kitchen, admiring all the pumpkin decorations, and immediately felt sinking. I am the honorary hostess this year, and my home will be where the family gathers.
Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy hosting, especially around the holidays. But the heat wave of anxiety slowly consumed me, and that sense of overwhelm immediately kicked in as I took a deeper look around my humble abode. From the coffee-stained counters and cabinets to the walls covered in “dog grit,” I knew my work was cut out for me.
As a girl who is often considered a “clean freak” and even finds cleaning and decluttering quite therapeutic, let’s say life has caused me to be a little less motivated lately. Sadly, I have allowed a few things to slip off my radar for the past few years, including deep cleans of my home. I don’t care, not because I don’t have the usual energy and can’t seem to get into that “head space” to declutter and clean. In complete transparency, I want to wiggle my nose and, poof! It’s all done.
You may also need to clean and declutter your home to create a peaceful home right before the holidays, but the task feels utterly daunting. Well, while I wish we had a magic wand and could proclaim, “voila,” and our homes instantly smelled of cinnamon and glittered with lights, there is a way to put a plan in place that can alleviate the stress. So, keep reading, sis, and let’s prepare you and your home for a holiday in three easy steps!
Before diving in headfirst and quickly becoming overwhelmed, simply start by assessing your home. This means moving through each room, maybe with a notepad (or at least a mental note), and quickly noticing areas that need a bit of attention. Maybe you realize that the playroom could use efficient organization or that the bathrooms are due for a deep clean.
Rather than tackling it all at once, prioritize the areas where you and your guests will gather most over the next few months, such as the kitchen, living areas, and bathrooms. Also, be realistic. If something can be put off for a “spring cleaning” project, then wait and save yourself some undue stress.
Once you have pinpointed the areas of your home you are ready to focus on, it’s time to get to work. Gather your cleaning supplies, several trash bags, and your crew. Whether that be your mom or your little people, having a few extra helping hands often makes the job less tedious and clean-up time go by much quicker.
Before deep cleaning, weed through the area and declutter any unnecessary items. Make three piles: one to toss in the garbage, one for donations, and another to compile and take to another room or area of the house.
Next, start with deep cleaning from the top down. That means start with your highest places, such as windows, ledges, and doorways. Wipe or vacuum everything, as dust settles down. Then proceed down to clean mirrors and cabinets. Use disinfectant wipes to clean door handles, countertops, and high-touch places. If you have pets and grime accumulates on the walls or baseboards, magic erasers pull stains from those tough-to-get-to places. Finally, work your way to the floor by sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping.
Remember that regular maintenance is key to maintaining a fresh and clean home and keeping bacteria at bay. After the holidays, consider deep cleaning your oven and clearing out your fridge, especially with all the festive foods flooding our homes. Use an oven liner to prevent drips for now, and then when you are ready to clean it, mix ½ cup of baking soda and an equal portion of vinegar to create a paste. Spread generously on your oven door and inside of your oven. Then wipe the paste away with a coarse, damp towel. When keeping your fridge clean, place an open container of baking soda inside to conceal and combat odors, remove expired items, and wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
When all your pumpkins and fall décor are put away and your home is decluttered and cleaned, take a moment to relax and marvel at your work. Then, when you are ready to crawl into the attack and get out those holiday trees and cute little gingerbread men, remember that placing up those holly jolly decorations should bring joy. Get into the spirit by playing Christmas music (if that’s your thing) or putting on your favorite Christmas movie. Just strive to be intentional about creating memories with your family.
Before throwing up those decorations, this may be a good time to assess your home again. Consider decorating the areas where your family and guests will congregate, such as the living room and kitchen. While we may feel the need to furnish every square inch of our home lavishly, thanks to Pinterest, many times, too much décor can have an adverse effect. Your home should be a place that fosters peace, so sometimes less is more.
Basically, simple décor can allow us to add the element of coziness while also welcoming the real meaning of Christmas, keeping Christ at the center. Start by sifting through your décor and deciding which items to display. In other words, you don’t have to use ALL your décor. Mix it up each year, as that can make your holiday décor fresh and fun!
Below are some tips on bringing festive flair to your home with intention and purpose. Minimal décor that will simply and sweetly usher in the Christmas cheer!
The placement of the tree will allow you to set up the rest of your décor. Be sure it has ample room to store gifts and move about. Consider a tree that will match the aesthetic and appeal of the room. A tall, slender tree is suitable for a small space, while a wide tree may be more fitting for a larger room. In keeping it simple, you can loosely string up garland or popcorn strands with homemade ornaments.
Add a garland or drape of evergreen for the mantle with battery-operated lights for a soft, glowing touch. You can hang the stockings and/or add a personal touch by displaying family photos to capture precious memories of Christmases from past years.
Add a basket with cozy blankets and festive pillows for chilly evenings. If you have little ones, you can place out a “toy” manger scene on the coffee table for them to reenact the story of Jesus’ birth.
A few simple adjustments to your kitchen for the holidays include replacing your everyday towels and potholders with festive ones, bringing holiday scents in with candles or candle warmers, and adding a table runner with jovial chargers to your table. Keep Christ centered by placing scripture or verses in and around this communal area.
This area can easily be neglected, but if you are hosting guests this year, you will want to add a dash of décor. To keep it simple, you can add wine or seasonal scented soaps and candles along with cute holiday towels. That’s it! Simple, easy, done.
Let your kids’ rooms shine by allowing them to pick out décor to add seasonal fun to their space. This is where they can be creative and add their personal touch.
Lastly, but not least, deck out that front door (and outside) with bright lights, declaring this season is one in which you and your family faithfully celebrate the “Light of the world!” You can easily do this by draping garland with lights on the door and setting out holiday wreaths.
May this holiday season be filled with peace, comfort, and joy as you create a welcoming and inviting space. Savor this season and enjoy the moments that allow you to truly count your blessings. Happy Holidays, my friend!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/OKrasyuk