Deck the Halls: Getting The Home Ready for the Holidays

Some of you may be in doubt, but let this be a friendly reminder—Christmas is right around the corner.

Soon, it will be time to get your home ready for the holidays. That means going through your stock of decorations, ornaments, and other holiday fare. This can be cumbersome if you don’t have a plan of action that helps your coordinate everything to get it all together.

We all know that having a well thought out and organized storage for decor, wreaths, and wrapping paper makes everything easier around the holidays. I am sharing some of my organizational tips to help get your home holiday ready for decking the halls.

Have a system

Having a system of organization keeps decorations and ornaments in good condition for years and years of use, and over time, saves money and preserves memories. Those keepsakes and timeless treasures will look beautiful each and every year if they are well stored. Bows on wreaths stay fluffed and pretty, wrapping paper stays tear-free and at your fingertips for the last minute gift wrap.

Take stock

Moms, make sure to organize games and toys prior to the gift purchasing so you know what your kids really need. Have them help sort games and toys and be part of the fun–take time to play a family board game.

Pile up the games and toys that your kids may have aged out of or no longer need and donate them to a local charity or organization who could use them.

Holiday staples

This is the part that I really enjoy—breaking out the decorations! At our house it’s always before Thanksgiving because I love to have the house decorated for Turkey Day for entertaining for and when my son comes home for Thanksgiving break.  In my house we have a main tree, a Red Room tree, and trees in each of my kids bedrooms. I complete the look with wreaths on all doors and gates.

Yearly theme

I’m a believer in the more ornaments the better and I have collected hundreds and hundreds over the years. In addition,  I buy more and more every year to replace some of the broken ones, and it is something I never get tired of doing–I love shopping for ornaments.

You can also get into the spirit by creating a yearly theme for your holiday decor. You can choose a whimsical look with bright, bold colors, a muted look with gold and silver, or go decadent with black and white, the choice is yours.  At my house we have a Red Room tree, my outdoor is black & white with splashes of red, and my daughter’s room is all white with bright colored ornaments and garland.

Memories, please

I started a fun family tradition when my kids were babies—each year I buy a special family ornament with the year, a photo, or something memorable. I then also buy 2 extras and an ornament box for both my kids.  When they get their first home I plan on giving them their box of ornaments so they’ll each have their own set of our family faves! I know, I am sentimental, but I also think it’s a neat idea. I get it from my mom!

Getting your home ready for the holidays can be a well-organized and a fun activity for the entire family. Let me know if these tips help you prepare for Christmas—leave me a comment!