Holiday Home Wrap Up

Reflecting and Renewing

The holidays can be a blur. Between events and traditions, time with friends and travel for family, the short weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can often feel like one hectic, final push towards the end of the year. With a million little details tended to and a great deal of celebrating done, we often find ourselves wanting to stop for a moment and reflect on the past year. What we’ve experienced, who we’ve grown closer to, and how we’ve changed shapes us bit by bit over the course of 365 days; the impact of little moments causes great shifts in our lives almost without notice. 

Now is the perfect time to sit with a pen and paper and a cup of tea and simply jot out what you’ve learned this year and what you want to take with you into the next. While your goals and convictions may include new physical resolutions, relational commitments, and career ventures, perhaps one of the easiest places to start is how you want your home to reflect who you’ve become in 2026.

Some Prompts to Get You Started

1. What has changed in your home this past year?

   Has a child moved out? Have you moved houses? Has a medical crisis occurred? Have you taken up a new hobby? Take note of the big transitions that have perhaps changed how your space is being used. This could be as simple as noting you’ve bought more houseplants that need sun or as complicated as noting you need to add grab bars to the bathroom or create a ramp at the front door for visiting family. 

2. How would you love your home to change this upcoming year?
   Now spend some time visualizing how you want your home to change in the next twelve months. You can dream big! It doesn’t cost a thing! Does the exterior need new paint? Are you dreaming of an en suite upgrade? Is there a large repair you’d like to handle? A large appliance that may need to be replaced? Write it all down, whether you foresee it being feasible this year or not. Getting thoughts on paper keeps them from overwhelming your brain.
   

3. How can your home change this upcoming year?
   None of us know what the next year will bring, but we can make some good plans and gradually work towards simple goals. Start small here because small goals can be accomplished quickly and success breeds success. What space needs to be cleaned up first? Consider giving yourself half an hour to reorganize your wrapping paper or an hour to find home for new presents. Then start moving forward. What are a few things you can do to elevate your living room once the holiday trimmings come down? Can you move around the furniture a bit? Declutter the mantel or tv stand? Shop your rooms and simply change up decor? Freshening up the house in January can be something to look forward to, if you’re willing to make a few, thoughtful changes. 

Now is the Time!

If you’re a planner, now is the time to sketch one or two small house goals on your new calendar. Be sure to include gardening plans if you’ve got a green thumb. And if you’ve got a big vision for your home in 2026, now is the time to work from the beginning to fulfill your heart’s desire. If you’re dreaming of a new kitchen by next Christmas, it’s time to book a designer. Need to declutter? Working through late winter and early spring is the best time to tackle organization projects before summer vacation and holidays come around again. Hoping to purchase some large exercise equipment? Jumpstart your New Year’s resolutions by clearing out an attractive space so getting into a healthy habit also feels good to your home.

Staying thoughtful and intentional about your space will keep you inspired and hopeful at home this year. Dream big, tackle small first, and allow your home to serve you well.