Does anyone else feel like October is the calm before the storm? I keep finding myself bracing for the upcoming holidays: mentally prepping for holiday travel, thinking of which traditions we want to keep from last year and if we want to try any new ones, and already wrapping presents for the kiddos. Having some wrapped presents this early is crazy, I know - but I am excited, and I kind of shop all year round for good deals on gifts. Also, I would rather the kids find a wrapped gift than ruin the surprise!
So - how do we make the best of this time of waiting? What are some ways we can make an effort to have some happy holidays instead of stressful ones?
I have a few ideas of what to do in this little blip of transition to full-holiday life, so let’s discuss!
Declutter: I know, I know. You are thinking wow, Melissa, talk about something else. But really - taking inventory of what you have and what you need, and what you need to get rid of is the perfect thing to do this time of year (maybe every time of year is the perfect time!!). As we prepare to make wish lists for ourselves and kiddos, and make space for hosting people in our homes, or just clearing the area for your family to have a comfortable place to enjoy each other’s company - it’s the time to clean up and clear out the things that are not serving our lives anymore. Also, how wonderful to donate items for others to purchase at a re-sale store to gift their loved ones this Christmas!
Address the Mess: Colder weather means less time outside, and now is the time to deep clean that space or finish the interior project that has been nagging your mind. If you don’t address it now, when January comes and you’ve been feeling stuck inside for months, that space is going to feel like a source of insanity. Get it off your to-do list so you can enjoy your home more!
Mark Your Calendar: If you have any important items that you don’t want to forget - like ordering that wonderful Advent devotional or making it to see a local Christmas light show - mark your calendars for that now! Now is the time, when your mind is clear enough to think about the things you don’t want to miss. Don’t just expect yourself to remember when the time comes, make a note so that your mental load is lighter and you can just follow through on the things you would like to do.
Don’t Buy More Decor: Stores are already beautifully adorned with lovely Christmas decorations of all kinds, and many of which are on sale, and I want to buy them all. It is easy to get excited and think you need another mini Christmas tree or wreath! However, I love the Christmas decorations I have, even though I can’t remember everything I have off the top of my head. I definitely don’t need to be re-purchasing my collection or trying to add elements when I haven’t looked at it this year yet.
Intentional Themes: If you want your home to feel a certain way for the different holidays, think of how you can do that now. Get out that fall candle, get the hot chocolate and marshmallows, swap out your holiday soaps, wash that Christmas blanket, clear the space for your Nativity set. There are many ways to add little temporary glimmers of the holidays to your home. My sweet Grandma used to set out beautifully themed disposable hand towels in the guest bathroom for events. They were like a fancy napkin, but it was little touch of special and intentionality. Find ways to make your home speak the seasons we are in!
I hope these ideas spark some inspiration to begin to prepare for the holidays, and in turn will allow for a little less chaos and a Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year that you can really say were happy holidays!
