How to Restore Tranquility After the Holiday Frenzy

Once Christmas is over, resetting your home doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to a clean, organized, and refreshed space for the new year. You'll know when it's time.

In extending the spirit of Christmas, I choose to maintain the festive ambiance a bit longer by keeping my tree and decorations in place until Three Kings Day. This tradition aligns with the celebrations observed in various European and Latin American cultures.

Three Kings Day, commonly known as the Epiphany, is celebrated by the sharing of a "Rosca," a circular cake similar to a "King" cake. It's the discovery of the baby Jesus in one's slice of the "Rosca" that allows you to be crowned king or queen and, perhaps, host the following year's gathering. This delightful extension of the holiday season extends my joy for an additional two weeks beyond Christmas and the New Year.

For me, New Year's Day and the Epiphany mark the next step in clearing and preparing for the opportunities that a new year brings.

Following the holiday festivities, a simple process of packing up the home decor, like the Christmas tree, is carefully dismantled and either stored or recycled. The transitional phase of taking things apart makes me reflect on this past season. The process reminds me of how Christmas started out with hope and looking forward to January, which gives me a more contemplative and nostalgic feeling. As the new year begins, it's an ideal time for me to purposefully take the time to carefully pack away each holiday decoration. I perceive this as a natural ritual. It serves as a means to approach the serene days of winter with a focus on self-care, contributing to a sense of optimism for the days to come.

Time to Pack Away Holiday Decorations: The Reset

When it's time to reset my home and start the new year with a fresh and tidy space, I first start with the kitchen. I put all the serving platters, plates, baking pans, and roasting pans back on their shelves until next holiday. This is usually done the day after a big feast.

I enjoy the tree with lights, the Christmas cards, and the wreaths the most, so I keep those on display for as long as I can. I’ll start with the holiday decorations and take things apart a little at a time.

I wrap them back in a new bin or box. I upgrade the boxes every year when I have a chance. Holiday decor such as the stockings, reindeer and snowmen, Santa and Mrs. Claus figures, plus the holiday blanket and pillows, not to forget the candles. These are wrapped and stored away for next year.

Pack Away Decorations with Care:

• First things first, tackle the twinkling lights and ornaments.
• Grab some sturdy boxes and carefully pack away your Christmas decorations. This will not only keep them safe for next year but also create a clean slate for the new year.

Declutter your home.

• Out with the old, in with the new. Take a look around your home and identify items that you no longer need. Maybe there are some old toys, clothes, or gadgets that could find a new home. Decluttering not only makes your home look neater but also gives you a sense of accomplishment.

Organize Your Gifts:

• With all the excitement of unwrapping presents, your living room may have turned into a gift-wrap tornado.
• Take a moment to organize and put away your new goodies.
• Assign a home for each item, making it easier to find and enjoy later.

Tidy Up One Room at a Time:

• Cleaning up can be overwhelming, especially if you try to do everything at once. Instead, tackle one room at a time.
• Start with the bedroom, then move on to the kitchen, and so on. Breaking it down makes the task more manageable and less stressful.

Set a timer for quick clean-ups.

• If you're short on time, set a timer for 15-20 minutes and focus on cleaning up as much as you can in that time frame.
• It's amazing what you can accomplish when you have a deadline, and it prevents the task from feeling like an endless chore.

Create a Relaxing Nook:

• If you live in a place where the weather goes from hot to cold, you might like winter more if you find ways to stay warm.
• In busier times, it's important to find a comfy spot just to relax.
• Set up a cozy area with pillows and blankets where you can read a book or just take a break to relax.
• Having a special spot for relaxing will help you feel better and start the new year with good feelings

Take time for yourself.

• Last but not least, don't forget to take care of yourself.
• Treat yourself to some quiet time.
• Do something to make you feel at ease and happy.
• Try such things as taking a warm bath, reading a favorite book, or spending some time doing an activity you love.
• Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your home.

So, summing things up, as we transition from one holiday celebration to another, it is our thoughtful and organized approach that will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. It doesn't matter what big feast or daily meals you're cooking; taking the time to organize the steps and ingredients creates a smooth experience. By taking the time to prepare for your holiday fun, you will be more aware of how you feel and can make adjustments as you move along your day. Pay attention to your feelings, and remember that embracing gratitude, connection, and self-care allows us to navigate the holiday season's roller coaster of emotions. At the end of a hopefully fun-filled season, you'll know when its time to wrap things up and, with care, get ready for the New Year with new intentions and hope.

Happy holidays, and may the new year bring you peace, love, and happiness.