Preparing your home for the holidays

Working in advance reduces stress when guests are about to arrive.

With the year almost over, many are preparing their home for the festive holidays.

Whether you are receiving guests over this period or simply unwinding among family, here are some tips for getting the house ready for a deserved break:

Cleaning the house

Begin with a spring clean – you may be receiving gifts or may need the extra space for guests. Now is the time to remove those boxes of old clothes and donate them to your nearest charity organisation.

Start with the main living areas – focus your attention on clearing out any old food from the fridge and freezer, clearing off the counters, and re-organising the cupboards.

Get the family involved – ask the children to help tidy the toys up and see if they have outgrown anything. It helps if they are receiving more gifts around Christmas and the New Year.

Decorate the house – if you are celebrating Christmas, get the tree up and hang the tinsel above the doorways. Working in advance reduces stress when guests are about to arrive.

Preparing for festive meals

Work in advance – the more you get done ahead of time, the less stress when it comes time to cook. Think what you can make now and freeze, then simply thaw in time for lunch or dinner.

Make a list – if you are serving up multiple courses, being organised is a big help. Note what you have already done and what still needs to be prepared and mark these off when complete.

General chores

Consider repairs – you may be exhausted after a long year, but the time is also good to fix the bathroom lock or knock in a loose nail. You will thank yourself later on!

Maintain the house – as boring as tasks are, leaving the gutters clogged with leaves or failing to trim the grass will catch up with you later. Rather focus on one or two jobs a day and they will be done before you know it.


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