4 Great Holiday Preparation Strategies

During the holidays, the emphasis is always on family, friends, festivities and fun. But between all the parties, special meals, shopping and family get togethers, there’s hardly a spare moment to relax and carve out some much-needed time for yourself. 

Indeed, it can certainly be all-too-easy to feel overwhelmed and anxious. However, following these five strategies can help ensure the hustle and bustle of the holiday season remains jolly and wonderful.

1. Refresh Your Home Décor with New Furniture

Before the decorations go up, take a good look around the areas where people will gather. Does the couch seem worn? Has the recliner seen better days? Buying new furnishings, like a sectional sofa or dining room table, can give living spaces a fresh look and provide a wonderful backdrop for holiday decorations. Sales are often available this time of year, especially on furniture sets purchased together. 

2. Arrange Your Furniture for Optimal Conversation

Over the holidays, family gatherings and get togethers with friends mean more people than usual will be catching up in your living room, kitchen, patio and perhaps elsewhere. With that in mind, make sure to arrange any couches, ottomans and chairs in groups to create inviting spaces that encourage conversation.

Holiday-themed accent pillows and throws will no doubt add a cozier environment in your living room or family room, while generous end tables and coffee tables can provide much-needed space for gifts, drinks and snacks.

3. Create a Festive Drink Station

Whether the occasion is a formal sit-down dinner, sophisticated cocktail affair or casual evening of snacks and holiday movies, having a bar cart, table or bookcase filled with beverages, ice and glasses nearby is a stress-free way to ensure no one goes thirsty during the holidays. Along with wine, beer and liquor, be sure to include juices and soft drinks for designated drivers, young people or anyone else not drinking alcohol. 

4. Fill Bookshelves with Holiday Books and Videos

Enjoying holiday books and movies together with family adds joy to any holiday season. Indeed, adults and children alike will delight in literary classics like A Christmas Carol or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. With that in mind, stock bookshelves in the living room or family room with titles to suit family members and friends. In the same spirit, enjoying an evening of holiday movie classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Scrooge or It’s a Wonderful Life will provide great entertainment with friends, family or even that special someone. 

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday

For many people, the holidays represent the best time of the year. The cheer and good spirit of the season take away the chill experienced in many parts of the country as winter begins. In fact, for many people, seeing snow on the ground adds to the magic of the season.

Beyond that, arranging your living room with comfortable furniture that elicits great conversation reflects the emphasis on gathering with friends and loved ones, while enjoying holiday-themed books and movies is a great enhancement to the season. Finally, having a decked out home ready to welcome guests will help you create fond memories and no doubt reduce any stress you might be experiencing.