how to stay sane this holiday season
It’s the holiday season, which can also mean pure CHAOS.
Here are a few ways to bring more peace and joy to a sometimes hectic season...
GO ON A DECLUTTERING SPREE
We can’t stress this enough! Decluttering is where you need to start. Having less stuff will help you keep your home tidy around the holidays. Here are some critical areas in the house to declutter to help your mind feel at ease:
The Pantry - go through your pantry and donate non-perishable foods to the local food bank and throw out any expired food!
The Fridge - clean out the freezer to prepare to stock it with Turkey, applies and all those holiday goodies.
Kitchen Cupboards - take the time to go through those back cupboards and donate those extra casserole dishes you never use
The Toy Room - we know it’s a BIG one, but new toys will be coming, so now is the time to sort and edit out toys that your kids don’t play with or have outgrown. Same with their clothes, edit, edit, edit, and DONATE!
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
As you unpack your Christmas decor, genuinely decide if you want this displayed. Does it make me happy? No? Then BYE BYE. Purge unused decorations; keep only using what you love and what makes you happy. This way, you also have less to pack away after, and it looks less cluttered.
Also, make sure to CLEAN before you decorate or call us and have us come clean for you!
MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE
When feeling overwhelmed, make a note on your phone for gifts, groceries and a budget list.
Pro tip: if you are buying with a spouse or partner, share this note with them, so they are on the same page.
CREATE A GIFT-WRAPPING COMMAND CENTRE
Pick a place and stick with it. Have your gift wrapping all in one place; have a bin to store it all. That way, you constantly aren’t looking for tape, scissors, ribbons, etc. Also, send the kids away, block out a time and try to get it done in one sitting!
KEEP IT SIMPLE
Simplify priorities, schedule and traditions. It’s okay to say no and to set those boundaries. You can’t do it all. Be kind to yourself and do what you can do. Don’t hesitate to delegate and ask for help if you need it! A lot is going on this season.
Lastly, remember Christmas doesn’t have to be perfect. If you need help cleaning, the Lemon & Pine team can take that off your list! We can’t recommend a pre or post-holiday clean enough. Request a quote HERE.
Stay tuned for next month’s blog + special ‘12 Days of Cleaning’, where we will provide expertise in having your home holiday-ready, room by room.