4 last minute tasks to prep for the holidays

Christmas is almost here. As you’re tackling those last-minute gifting needs and prepping for the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take a moment and think about what you can do to make sure you stay healthy and stress-free this season.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply staying home to enjoy some peace and quiet before you head out for the holidays, the following four tasks can help you be ready for what’s to come.

With the holidays come new gifts that will enter your home. Do you have space for whatever may be coming? If relatives are sending the kids home with new clothes and toys, you’re finding room for a brand-new bike, or you just aren’t sure where a new kitchen tool might go, a declutter can help you prepare.

Find the zones that are most important for decluttering before the holidays. Whether it’s closets or the entire kitchen, focus on small chunks as a family. Get rid of anything you haven’t been using, clothes that no longer fit, and any items that are broken or damaged. Then, your home will feel free and calm before you invite more in.

Colder weather is officially here for the holidays. So, too, are viruses that can make you and your guests feel under the weather. With the cold and flu making its rounds, make sure your home isn’t a breeding ground for illnesses as you invite friends and family into your home.

When guests are over, be sure you have fresh towels and plenty of antibacterial soap so they can wash their hands regularly. You may even want to have some hand sanitizer positioned around your home so it’s readily available as people shake hands or sneeze. Be sure to deep clean all surfaces to ensure germs are gone. Scrub your floors, sinks, and counters in the kitchen and bathrooms before anyone comes over. It will be well worth it.

Those big holiday meals will be so much easier to prep and store if the refrigerator is clean and uncluttered. Start by throwing out anything that’s expired. Make a list of anything that may need to be replaced before the holidays are here. And make sure there’s plenty of room before you have to load your refrigerator up with turkey or ham.

Be sure to give your refrigerator a deep clean, too. Wipe down any stickiness or residue and focus on one shelf at a time to remove any grime. Do the same with your freezer, and make sure you toss anything that is taking up space. Clean the walls and doors with a mixture of vinegar and water to keep your refrigerator looking and smelling its best. Don’t forget to place an open box of baking soda inside to absorb odors!

To help it really feel like Christmas, pick up products that make it truly feel like the holidays are here. Scents like pine, cinnamon, fir, berry, and mint can liven up your home and make it feel even more inviting to anyone who steps foot inside. Hand and dish soaps, cleaners, bathroom sprays, and air fresheners can lighten up your space and make your guests feel the spirit of the holidays.

And don’t forget to decorate your home and table for any celebrations you may have. Adding table garlands using pinecones and pine leaves, burgundy placemats, and table scaping with wintry sculptures can go a long way to invite guests to the table.

Do you have any last-minute tips that can make a big impact for the holidays? Share them in the comments below!The Jim Allen Group provides access to information on this blog/website as a public service for educational purposes only. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all of the information made available is current, accurate, and complete…[read more]