This morning I grabbed my coffee and looked around the kitchen and admired all the pumpkin decorations. I immediately felt myself sinking. I am the honorary hostess this year, and my home will be the place where the family gathers.
Don’t get me wrong. I love hosting, especially on holidays. But a heatwave of anxiety slowly ate away at me, and that feeling of overwhelm quickly set in as I looked more deeply around my modest abode. From coffee-stained counters and cabinets to walls covered in “dog litter,” I felt like my job was perfect for me.
As a woman who is often thought of as a “clean freak,” and even find cleaning and tidying very soothing, let’s say that you’ve been feeling a little unmotivated lately because of life. Sadly, I’ve neglected some things over the past few years, like deep cleaning the house. The reason I don’t care is not because I don’t have the usual energy and can’t seem to get into the “head space” to tidy up or clean. I want to twist my nose completely transparent. Hmm! All done.
You may need to clean and organize your home to create a peaceful household right before the holidays, but the task can be quite daunting. Yes, I wish I had a magic wand and could say “Vila!” and instantly have my house smelling like cinnamon and sparkling with lights, but there are ways to plan things that can make it less stressful. So read on, sis, and get you and your home ready for the holidays in 3 easy steps!
Access and addresss
Before you dive in headfirst and quickly become overwhelmed, start by evaluating your home. This means going through each room, perhaps using a notepad (or at least a mental note) and quickly noticing areas that need a little attention. Maybe you’ve noticed that you can organize your playroom more efficiently or that it’s time to give your bathroom a deep clean..
Instead of tackling everything at once, prioritize the areas where you and your guests will gather the most in the coming months, such as the kitchen, living area, and bathroom. Also, be realistic. If you can postpone something for a “spring cleaning” project, avoid undue stress and wait.
Deep clean starting from the top
Once you’ve identified the areas of your home to focus on, it’s time to get to work. Gather cleaning supplies, a few trash bags, and your staff. Having a few extra helpers, whether it’s your mom or the little kids, often makes the job less tedious and the cleanup time gets done much faster.
Before cleaning, remove the surrounding grass and remove unnecessary items. Make three mountains. One to throw in the garbage, one to donate, and one to take in bulk to another room or area of the house.
Next, start cleaning thoroughly from top to bottom. That means starting at the highest points, such as windows, shelves, and doorways. Wipe or vacuum everything as it collects dust. Next, move on to cleaning the mirrors and cabinets. Use disinfectant wipes to wipe down door handles, countertops, and frequently touched surfaces. If you have pets and dirt is building up on your walls and baseboards, use a magic eraser to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas. Finally, vacuum, mop, and sweep the floor.
Remember that regular maintenance is the key to upkeep Keep your home fresh and clean and free from bacteria. After the holidays, especially when your home is filled with festive food, consider giving your oven a deep clean and organizing your refrigerator. Use an oven liner to prevent dripping in the meantime, and when you’re ready to clean, mix 1/2 cup baking soda and equal parts vinegar to make a paste. Spread generously on the oven door and inside the oven. Then wipe off the paste with a coarse damp towel. When keeping your refrigerator clean, put an open container of baking soda inside to mask odors, remove expired items, and wipe down surfaces with disinfectant wipes.
Minimize and simplify
Once all the pumpkins and fall decorations are put away, the house is tidied, and the cleaning is done, take a moment to relax and marvel at your work. And when you are ready to crawl out to the attack and drive out the holiday tree or cute little gingerbread man, remember that placing a cheerful decoration of holly should bring joy. Play some Christmas music (if that’s your thing) or your favorite Christmas movie to set the mood. Make a conscious effort to create memories with your family.
Before you throw out those decorative items, it might be a good time to reevaluate your home. Consider decorating areas where your family and guests gather, such as the living room and kitchen. Thanks to Pinterest, you may feel the need to lavishly furnish every nook and cranny of your home, but over-decorating can often have negative effects. Home should be a place that fosters peace. So sometimes less is more.
Basically, simple decorations allow you to add an element of coziness while welcoming the true meaning of Christmas and keeping Christ front and center. Start by examining the interior and deciding which items to display. In other words, you don’t have to use all the decorations. Mix and match each year to keep your holiday decorations fresh and fun.
Below are some tips for bringing a festive atmosphere into your home with intention and purpose. Minimalist decorations that excite the Christmas spirit in a simple and sweet way.
Make your living room stylish
The placement of the tree allows you to set up the rest of the decorations. Make sure you have enough space to store and move your gift. Consider a tree that matches the beauty and charm of the room. Tall, thin trees are suitable for small spaces, while thick trees are suitable for large rooms. To keep it simple, loosely tie garlands or popcorn bundles with homemade decorations.
add garland or drapes Use evergreens for the mantle and battery-powered lights for a soft, glowing touch. You can add a personal touch by hanging stockings or displaying family photos to capture precious memories from past Christmases.
For chilly nights, add a basket with cozy blankets and festive pillows. If you have young children, you may want to put a “toy” manger scene on your coffee table and have them reenact the story of Jesus’ birth.
Create a clean and cozy kitchen
Easy ways to spruce up your kitchen for the holidays include replacing your usual towels and potholders with festive ones, adding holiday scents with candles and candle warmers, and adding a table runner with a cheerful charger to your table. Keep Christ centered by placing Bibles and scriptures in and around this common area.
Add decor to your guest bathroom
This area is often neglected, but if you’re hosting guests this year, you’ll want to add a little decoration. To keep it simple, you can add wine, seasonal scented soaps or candles, and cute holiday towels. that’s it! Simple, easy and complete.
Make your child’s room shine
Make your child’s room sparkle by giving them a choice of decorations that add seasonal fun to their room. You can get creative here and add your personal touch.
Decorate your front door
Last but not least, decorate your front door (and outside) with bright lights to proclaim that this is the season for you and your family to faithfully celebrate the “Light of the World.” You can easily do this by decorating the door with a garland with lights and preparing for the holiday. wreath.
May this holiday season be filled with peace, comfort, and joy by creating a cozy and inviting space. Savor this season and enjoy the moments when you can truly appreciate your blessings. I hope you have a nice vacation. my friend!
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/OKrasyuk
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
