Parents this year are feeling the urge to jot down their holiday checklists earlier than normal, as reports of supply chain problems, post office slowdowns, and increasing inflation collude to ensure a bumpy holiday shopping season.
If it’s peace and joy you’re after this time of year, the key is to get organized. I asked organization expert, YouTuber, and author of “Beautifully Organized: A Guide to Function and Style in Your Home” Nikki Boyd for her advice on navigating this unique holiday season. Here’s what she said.
The Epoch Times: What are some key organizational strategies you employ each year to smoothly navigate the holiday season?
Nikki Boyd: One strategy that is key in the success of organizing a beautiful holiday season is to downsize your home possessions prior to the start of the holidays. This way you can go into the season with a fresh new space. I recommend starting with your closet. Purge and remove all items that no longer bring you joy, or fit your needs or current lifestyle. I then recommend taking this process throughout the rest of your home. In addition to refreshing your home with a pre-holiday declutter, I recommend refreshing those areas of your home that get high use during the holidays such as your kitchen seasonings. (You would not want to use outdated spices in that holiday pie). Also, you will want to test all of your kitchen appliances to ensure they are working properly.
The Epoch Times: What are some of the ways in which you make your home feel special during this time of year?
Ms. Boyd: To make my home feel special during this time of year, I love to create different experiences in my home for my family and friends. I use the five senses—smell, touch, taste, sight, and sound—to help guide me with implementing special holiday experiences. One idea is to create a holiday-themed coffee and cocoa bar that stays open 24 hours. If you live in a small space you can create this by using a bar cart. Also, leave things like games and blankets around the house to encourage family and friends to engage and relax.
The Epoch Times: It seems there may be some extra challenges this year when it comes to holiday shopping and checking off gift lists. What adjustments do you recommend people make this year in their holiday preparations?
Ms. Boyd: Because of the challenges that we have this year, it is important to start early when it comes to preparing for the holidays such as buying gifts and decor for your home. You may want to also think about giving more creative gifts such as handmade gifts or experiences.
The Epoch Times: Moms, especially, can feel overwhelmed during the holidays as they anxiously aim to make magical memories for their families. How do you recommend moms approach their holiday aspirations while maintaining their inner peace and enjoying the season along with everyone else?
Ms. Boyd: It is especially important that moms think about their joy as they work to prepare for a joyful holiday. Moms should create a self-care routine during the holidays. Pamper yourself with a day at the spa or create your own spa [experience] at home. It is also important to delegate responsibilities to the entire family during the holidays. Scheduling a time to do things with your girlfriends is a great way to get a break from the overwhelm of the holidays.
The Epoch Times: What are the holiday traditions that you most enjoy preparing for your family?
Ms. Boyd: One of my favorite traditions that I enjoy putting together for my family is my annual holiday invitation. I create an interactive invitation to get everyone excited about the holidays. I do this by creating a fun package with hints of what is to come for the holiday festivities and give it to my family.
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