Pre-December Preparations: Get Your Home Holiday-Ready!

 

It's that time of the year again: the magical time just before Christmas!!!

First question that comes to mind is: is this not too early? And the answer is: of course not 😊!

We at MGMaison are madly in love with this particular holiday and cannot wait to start getting our home ready for Christmas. Nevertheless this process can be both exciting as well as overwhelming.

Prepping early not only saves you stress but also allows you to truly enjoy the month of December and the festivities to come with friends and family.

Here are some tips that we want to share with you, to ensure your home is warm, welcoming, and ready for the holiday spirit.

De-clutter and Deep Clean

Start your pre-Christmas prep with a thorough cleaning session: from dusting to vacuuming, to window cleaning, to bathroom polishing, to throwing or giving away any unnecessary items.

Not the most fun activity of it all, but definitely the most necessary in this whole process, in order to create an inviting environment.
A clean, clutter-free home is the perfect foundation for holiday decorations, allowing you to showcase your decor without the distraction of unnecessary items.

Prepare the Kitchen for Entertaining

While on the deep clean note, one of the most important task is to make sure your kitchen is spotless, as this is often the heart of most holiday gatherings.
Clean the oven, dishwasher, and refrigerator, and make sure they’re ready for all the extra food and cooking.
Take inventory of your serving platters, cutlery, and glassware so you’re not scrambling when the time comes to entertain.
Last and most important, plan your holiday menu: Planning meals, appetizers, and drinks in advance helps you be creative, shop more efficiently and feel ready to host.

Stock Up on Essentials

During the holidays, the last thing you want is to run out of essentials. Create a checklist to make sure you’re well-prepared and shop, or order, everything in advance.
Stock up on baking supplies, snacks, and ingredients for holiday recipes.
Keep extra toilet paper, towels, and toiletries ready in case you have overnight visitors.
Also, sometimes your beloved decorations need a touch-up, so it’s good to have spare hooks, lights, or extension cords on hand.

Get Organized for Gift Shopping and Preparation

Gift shopping can be one of the most stressful parts of holiday prep, but planning ahead makes it manageable and even enjoyable! Here’s how to organize your gift shopping and preparation:

Make a List: Start by listing everyone you’d like to buy for, along with potential gift ideas. This will help you stay focused and avoid last-minute impulse purchases. Also organize well in advance and test the field with all loved ones, to get a feeling of what they would like as a present.

Set a Budget: Budgeting for gifts can prevent overspending. Setting spending limits per person will help you manage your overall holiday expenses and feel more in control.

Plan Online and In-Store Shopping Days: Many retailers offer great deals in November, with Black Friday, while also in early December, and shopping online can help you avoid crowded stores. Just be mindful of shipping deadlines if ordering online!

Shop Early for Specialty Items: If you’re planning on getting personalized gifts or popular toys, shopping early is key to avoiding shortages.

Set Up a Christmas Command Center

Holiday prep often means a lot of extra tasks, from gift wrapping to card writing. Setting up a Christmas “command center” can keep you organized.
Set aside a small area with all your gift-wrapping essentials, like wrapping paper, ribbons, tags, and scissors. Also, having holiday cards and a list of present ideas on hand can make present preparation stress-free.
Prepare a calendar for events and plans: Whether it’s a whiteboard or a planner, keeping track of holiday events and to-do lists will make everything run smoother.

& Finally, when the time comes: Deck the Halls

Christmas decorations are the heart of holiday prep, and the options are truly endless! Here’s how to make your home festive:

Create a cozy ambiance: Add string lights, candles, and other soft lighting throughout your home for a warm, welcoming glow.

Add seasonal greenery: Consider adding wreaths, garlands, and pinecones in key places like doorways, mantels, and staircases. Greenery adds a natural touch and can fill the house with a fresh pine scent if you’re using real plants.

Don’t forget small touches: Scatter festive accents like holiday pillows, throws, and table runners around the house to add holiday charm.
And the last touch, when the moment comes: Set up the magical Christmas tree! Whether it’s real or artificial, the Christmas tree is a must. Pick a theme (like rustic, elegant, or colorful) and decorate it with ornaments, lights, and garlands.

Preparing for Christmas is all about finding joy in the little things.

By tackling a few tasks each day, you’ll create a welcoming and festive environment that’s ready for December and for the holiday fun. With your home sparkling and organized, you’ll be free to enjoy the season with family and friends, making this Christmas truly memorable.