The holiday season is often a joyful time for getting together with friends and family to celebrate. For many of us, our homes become a hive of social activity throughout the season, and while this is enjoyable, it can also lead to heightened levels of stress. According to the Canadian Psychological Association, this is caused by increased demands on your time and expectations about how the celebrations will unfold.

Being prepared can help the festivities go without a hitch, as well as help you to feel more relaxed. So, we’ve put together five tips to help you prepare your home for the holiday season. Continue reading to find out more!

Risk-assess your home

You might be used to sidestepping that pile of books on the stairs or that mug that you always leave on the floor by your favourite chair, but your guests may not be. So, before your first social occasion, analyse your home for hazards. Be sure to remove any clutter, loose rugs, and loose wiring that can cause people to trip, paying special attention to high-traffic areas like stairs and hallways. Make sure the outside of your home is cleared of snow, ice, and leaves, and prevent slips by keeping entryways clean and dry with a doormat.

The bathroom can be particularly hazardous, so ensure yours is equipped with a rubber bath mat and an absorbent, rubber-backed floor mat. You might even consider installing grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower if you or any of your guests have mobility issues.  

Decorate and clean the main areas

If you’re having guests round, you may feel obliged to deep-clean and decorate your entire home. But it’s best to focus on the main areas to avoid feeling overwhelmed. An inviting wreath on the door will give your home an instantly festive feel, while a few strategic touches in entryways, living rooms, and dining rooms will complete the look.

Stock the pantry ahead of time

Catering for more people than usual can be expensive, so try to plan ahead in order to spread the cost over several weeks – and avoid the stress of a last-minute dash around the grocery store! This also allows you to look out for sales flyers and save money by buying in bulk – just make sure that any food that you purchase won’t expire before you have the chance to eat it. Finally, be sure to check whether your guests have any dietary requirements or allergies that you need to be aware of.

Focus on fireproofing

While fireproofing your home is essential year round, the holiday season – with its candles and long strings of fairy lights – can bring fire hazards all its own. So, be sure to check all appliances and decorations for any damage or loose wiring and consider installing a whole-house surge protector or inspecting your current one. You should also ensure any trees and garlands are kept away from sources of heat, as these can be particularly flammable, especially if they’ve been left to dry out.

Stock up the first-aid kit

Before the season starts, make sure your first-aid kit is well stocked. Painkillers and antacids are good to have in store in case of overindulging in food or alcohol. While band aids are essential for any scraped knees.

The joy of the holiday season can sometimes be overshadowed by the stress associated with entertaining. We hope these five top tips help you feel well prepared and relaxed as we head into the final few weeks of the year.

The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.

Resources

https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Publications/FSHolidayStress(1).pdf