How to Destress and Enjoy the Holiday Season from Home

Too often, people associate “interior design” only with aesthetics. Truth be told, that is only half of the equation. The other half, and arguably the most important half, is function. You often hear designers use the phrase “Form & Function.” As humans, we want beautiful homes that reflect who we are, AND a home that also meets our needs. It’s not either/or!

How you feel, and how you live your life in your home, is important to me as a designer. 

With that said, there’s nothing more important, in my opinion, than enjoying the ordinary nothing-special every-day at home, all year-round. When it comes to the special occasions, there are a few tips I can share to make most of this time of year: 
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The Holidays at Home: Tips for Getting Your House Ready

Pick Up & Clean Your House

When Monday came rolling around, so did all the stress of the week. I have multiple wonderful new job opportunities, evening holiday get-togethers with people I love, a spontaneous new life idea to consider (more on that later-maybe!), and also my regular day-to-day work. It’s exciting. And stressful. 
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As I stood in my entryway Monday evening, I couldn’t help but notice how much my home had suffered from my “busyness.” Despite feeling tired, I decided to pick up and clean my home and pay my bills and balance my checkbook. (But honestly, I didn’t want to bring that up out of fear that you’d close your browser!). 

It was just what I needed. With a podcast to give me a break from my own thoughts, I went about putting my home back in order. An added bonus was a wonderful night’s sleep that had been evading me for a while.  
If you have a family, I understand the struggle of keeping a clean home. I encourage you to involve your children and spouse in the cleaning and daily picking up process. Make it a family event. Give everyone a job and plan a fun meal to enjoy afterwards. 

A clean house can make a huge difference, and let’s be honest, no one ever regrets taking the time to clean once a home is clean. It’ll clear your space, and it’ll clear your mind, helping you to relax during this stressful time of year.

Enjoy Your Home This Holiday Season with All 5 Senses

A beautifully designed home shouldn’t just be for your eyes, and neither should the holidays. To truly get into the spirit, we should look to involve all 5 senses. 

Sight: Whether your home is fully decked for the holidays or if you only have a tiny, Charlie Brown tree sitting in a corner, adding a little decoration goes a long way. 

Taste: You may be thinking that you should be filling your kitchen with delicious holiday food - and if that’s what you want to do, then by all means, go for it. I want to also encourage you to fill your kitchen with healthy snacks and drinks that will nourish you when the Christmas cookies start calling your name. Pull out those special glasses and dishes to add a sense of occasion. 

Sound: It is entirely too easy to create a playlist or stream your personal preference music through the internet. Turn on some tunes to get in the spirit. 

Smell: Whether you’re making Christmas treats, a special meal, or just have a candle burning. The sense of smell will add to the experience and should not be ignored. 
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Touch: Curl up in a warm blanket, put on a pair of new pajamas or fuzzy socks. As simple as that.

Gift of Relaxation

Find the time to destress at home. This is a time of year well known for driving up stress and busyness, and blood pressure! Make sure you are utilizing your home to the best of your abilities by relaxing. Order a book or magazine (or whatever you enjoy) and carve out some time for yourself. 

If you have children, this will require prior planning on your part. Have items on hand to entertain little ones whether it be playdough, a new toy, a prepared activity or a movie for your young children. A new “thing,” even a $2 investment, can buy mom and dad time, and that’s the greatest gift to yourself. This time of year is a challenge for everyone. Consider loosening the screen time rules a little and allow your children to watch a movie in the middle of the day so you can have some time to yourself. A less stressed you = a less stressed home. 
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Depending on your personality type, there are many other things you can do to bring the holiday spirit into your home: bake, craft, watch Christmas movies, wrap presents, write and send out Christmas cards, read a Christmas book, and the list goes on. Take into consideration, and take advantage, of how your home can help you during this stressful time of year. Destress, relax, and make sure you’re home is meeting your holiday needs.