The Ultimate Midwest Holiday Preparation Checklist
Soon snowflakes will be falling, the kids will have another holiday recital, invitations to parties and get-togethers will flood email and Facebook inboxes, and you’ll be wondering how on earth you’re going to get through another holiday season. November has arrived — and with it comes the busiest time of the year.
It can be tough to actually enjoy yourself when things are this hectic, so we’ve put together the ultimate midwest holiday preparation checklist. Take a deep breath, follow these tips, and relax your way right into the new year!
How to prepare your home for the holidays
Outer order, inner peace. First things first: follow these steps to get your home ready for everything the holiday season brings.
Make sure your home is protected if you’re away traveling
Planning an out-of-town trip to a family member’s house or using the winter holidays to take a long-awaited vacation? Consider doing simple things like setting your lights to a timer, asking a neighbor to keep an eye on your property, or even installing an inexpensive alarm system before you go. Take a look at some more home security tips here!
Set up your guest room
The earlier you get your guest room ready for your visitors, the less you’ll stress about it right before their arrival. Take the weight off your shoulders now and spend a few minutes gathering everything your guests will need to be comfortable. Don’t know where to start? Fresh bedding and clean towels usually do the trick.
Do a pre-holiday deep clean
Did you know that cleaning has been shown to reduce stress? The routine act of washing, organizing, and more can help you feel more accomplished and in control of your environment. Take the time to do a pre-holiday deep clean this year, and enjoy the mental health benefits that come with a clutter-free home!
Deck the halls
Once everything is clean and organized, you’re ready for the fun part: decking the halls. Turn up the carols, grab your family and friends, and don’t be afraid to go all-out with your decorations. After all, they do spread holiday cheer!
How to prepare your family for the holidays
After all, the most important part of the holiday season is time with friends and family. Make sure you’re ready to enjoy every get-together with these tips.
Plan as far in advance as possible
A surefire way to be stressed about juggling multiple events and holiday responsibilities is to wait until the last minute to get them on the calendar. Avoid this problem by planning your holiday season in advance! Ask every family member what holiday parties and activities they’d like to fit in this year, and work together to map it all out ahead of time.
Always bring extra supplies like snacks and wipes
If you’ve got little ones, this bit of preparation advice goes without saying — but it can be helpful even for families without small children. You never know what type of food might be served at a get-together that will leave you going hungry, and spills have a way of happening at the worst possible time in your favorite new outfit. Stick a few healthy snacks and wipes in your pocket or purse so you’re ready for whatever the season throws!
How to prepare yourself for the holidays
When it comes down to it, none of your holiday plans will work out without you. ‘Tis the season of selfless giving, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, too!
Make it a point to fit in your favorite activities
What are your favorite parts of the holiday season? Have you always loved going to cut down a live tree? Do you have a childhood tradition of downhill sledding? Whatever it is, take the time to fit it into your family’s holiday schedule and just enjoy the moment.
Take breaks in-between the hustle and bustle
We get it — you have 500 things all happening at once. It’s a lot to balance! When you start to feel overwhelmed, make sure you allow yourself to take a well-needed break. The world won’t end if you don’t check off every last item on your list (we promise) so don’t be afraid to step back and relax.
At the end of the day, remember what’s really important about the holiday season: taking time to appreciate our family members, friends, and all the gifts we share throughout the year.
Our hometown agents have your back
We’re here to help you with any questions you might have about your insurance coverage heading into this busy time of year. Don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our helpful agents!
