Get Your Home Ready for the Best Post-Covid Christmas
This is a collaborative post
Christmas cheer is almost upon us. Unfortunately, for some people, the pressure of the holidays instils anxiety and sadness. These feelings are the opposite of what this time of year is supposed to be about. Many things become frustrating. But with some planning and forethought, you can get your home ready for the best post-Covid Christmas as the light at the end of the tunnel comes into view.
An Early Spring Clean
Since we continuously accumulate stuff all year round, it doesn’t make sense to wait until spring to clear out your home. It’s surprising how much you actually have when you look. And even more surprising how much you don’t need. In the US alone, the average home contains $3,000 worth of unused items. Fortunately, it is now easier than ever to get rid of your stuff. First, of course, you could call for a skip hire service to take rubbish. In addition, apps like Vinted and eBay can make you some extra cash in time for the upcoming holidays.
Spread the Cost of Gifts
Christmas gift shopping is one of the most significant expenses of the year. On average, Brits spend just over £1,000 during the holidays on gifts while Americans spend just under $1,000. For most people, this is a large chunk of change to lay down. But you can be a little more sensible with your cash by spreading the cost. Some methods include:
- Credit cards: these allow you to buy gifts now and pay later.
- Prepay services: services like Park in the UK will enable you to pay for gifts and food weekly.
- One gift at a time: pick up one or two gifts each time you get paid in the months running up to Christmas.
You could also squirrel away some money each month if you can afford it. That way, you won’t leave yourself short by spending a considerable amount that you might need for gas and electricity during winter.
Responsible Guest List
Although mass vaccination is well underway in most countries, there are those yet to receive their first shot. This makes inviting certain people a bit of a puzzle. While you don’t want anyone to feel left out, it is helpful to consider others. For the time being, it might make better sense to enforce social distancing and mask-wearing or host a virtual party instead. Additionally, unvaccinated friends and family could pose a danger to others, while others may pose a danger to them.
Source Food Early
Due to the current supply chain crisis, UK citizens are advised to shop for their food now and freeze it to avoid disappointment. This is excellent advice during such an event, yet it is also suitable for everyone no matter where you live. If you leave your Christmas food shopping too late, you will undoubtedly find it more challenging to get what you want. For example, you might end up with chicken for dinner, rather than the traditional turkey.
Minimal Effort Decorations
Some people love decorating the home for Christmas, and others find it highly frustrating. You might end up wrapped in tree lights with sticky tape in your hair while the ceiling hangers fall down one by one. But you can simply buy decorations that require minimal effort. Pre-lit trees are a cinch to put up, they look amazing, and they use energy-efficient LEDs. And instead of fighting gravity, use hangers and line horizontal surfaces with garlands and beads.
