Get Some Sleep! And 5 More Ways to Make the Most of This Weekend
Check off a couple of necessary chores, but save a little time for favorite traditions
Laura Gaskill
November 29, 2017
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror and a fresh new month on the calendar, this weekend is a good time to make plans and create some breathing space in your schedule. Stock up on cold-weather necessities, wrap up a few gifts and catch some extra z’s — the rest of your to-do list won’t look so daunting when you’re feeling rested and refreshed.
1. Stock up on cold-weather essentials. Whether you’ll be seeing ice and snow or cold and rain where you live this winter, take some time this weekend to make sure you’re ready to face whatever Mother Nature brings.
For snowy climates, gather your snow shovels, pet-safe ice melt, windshield scraper and heavy gloves. To prep for rain, make sure you have working umbrellas, waterproof footwear and nonslip floor mats. Check emergency kits, and keep some extra flashlights and candles around in case of power outages.
Get Organized: First-Aid, Emergency and Medical Supply Checklist
For snowy climates, gather your snow shovels, pet-safe ice melt, windshield scraper and heavy gloves. To prep for rain, make sure you have working umbrellas, waterproof footwear and nonslip floor mats. Check emergency kits, and keep some extra flashlights and candles around in case of power outages.
Get Organized: First-Aid, Emergency and Medical Supply Checklist
2. Knock out some gift wrapping. If you did some holiday shopping last weekend, this is a good time to get a head start on wrapping.
Wrapped gifts look pretty piled up around the house, and it takes one item off your holiday to-do list. Mark the initials of the gift recipient on the bottom of the package in case gifts and tags become separated.
Gift Wrap Ideas That Add a Personal Touch
Wrapped gifts look pretty piled up around the house, and it takes one item off your holiday to-do list. Mark the initials of the gift recipient on the bottom of the package in case gifts and tags become separated.
Gift Wrap Ideas That Add a Personal Touch
3. Clean your washing machine and dryer vent. Front-loading washing machines can get stinky. Make sure yours stays fresh by running a cycle with washing machine tub cleaner (without clothes) and wiping down the rubber seal around the door to remove built-up lint and grime.
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned out your dryer vent, it’s probably due for a cleaning. Removing lint buildup from the hose and vent can help prevent a dryer fire.
How to Avoid Dryer Fires During the Holidays
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned out your dryer vent, it’s probably due for a cleaning. Removing lint buildup from the hose and vent can help prevent a dryer fire.
How to Avoid Dryer Fires During the Holidays
4. Get a handle on your holiday schedule. We’ve just flipped the page of the calendar to a new month: Use these first days of December to outline your plans for the month ahead.
If your schedule is already looking more packed than you would like, see if there’s an event or to-do that you can skip or put off until January, when the holiday craziness has passed.
The Case for Simplifying Christmas Decorations
If your schedule is already looking more packed than you would like, see if there’s an event or to-do that you can skip or put off until January, when the holiday craziness has passed.
The Case for Simplifying Christmas Decorations
5. Make time for a tradition you enjoy. Forget for a moment about things you “should” be doing and consider which winter or holiday traditions hold the most joy and meaning for you personally. Whether it’s something simple (like taking a stroll to see holiday lights) or more involved (like baking and decorating cookies), make time to do one of your favorites this weekend.
6. Get some rest. Getting enough sleep is essential for our health and well-being. Make your bed with fresh sheets, choose an uplifting book to read, pour yourself a cup of (decaf) tea and slide under the covers a little early at least one night this weekend.
12 Effective Strategies to Help You Sleep
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More
10 Ways to Get Your Guest Room Ready for the Holidays
See other holiday decorating and entertaining guides
12 Effective Strategies to Help You Sleep
Tell us: What are you looking forward to this weekend? Let us know in the Comments.
More
10 Ways to Get Your Guest Room Ready for the Holidays
See other holiday decorating and entertaining guides
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Dress up your house for the holidays.
I live in the Midwest where winter can be brutal. To get ready for winter, I just went out and bought a few pairs of blue jeans 1 size bigger, so my long underwear can fit under them easily!!!!!! Also trying to get some decent waterproof boots that don't cost a fortune. I also make a "tent" out of blankets on the loveseat for my cat who has short fur and gets cold easily. He climbs under the blankets (don't worry there are air holes) and pretty much cuddles under them almost all winter.
Deeners1, I love that you made a blanket fort for your kitty. I would love to see a photo. :))