The first week after the holidays is the perfect time to set the tone for the upcoming year. While it’s tempting to hastily toss holiday decorations into storage, we’ve found that a little extra care now can save you a lot of time and effort next season. See how to start the new year off right with our best post-holiday organization tips. Here’s our top tip: Take photos of your decorations before you pack them away. These snapshots serve as a guide for next year and ensure you remember what worked well. Pack decorations in room-specific storage boxes labeled by space (kitchen, living room, guest bathroom etc.) and include notes or suggestions for improvement. To take it up a notch, create planning sheets for each room. Use card stock for durability, slide them into page protectors, and attach them to the underside of the box for easy reference. Don’t forget to remove sticky residue from command hooks and store the cleaned hooks in a small baggie inside the box. For bows, stuff them with recycled tissue paper to maintain their shape. Organizing this way makes next year’s decorating a breeze. It’s also a system that allows you to delegate setup with ease, as everything is well-documented. While you’re tidying up, embrace the opportunity to set new goals, plan potential travel, and enjoy some winter activities—whether that’s ice skating, skiing, or a peaceful winter walk. Pair these moments with simple, healthy meals like light winter salads to recharge after the holiday indulgence. For a thoughtful touch, send kids back to school with little surprises like a note in their lunchbox, a dorm delivery of cookies, or a restaurant gift card tucked into a sweet card. These small acts of kindness help everyone start the new year with a smile. Follow our post-holiday organization tips to start the New Year off right. With a little extra effort, organization, and a touch of creativity, you can embrace the beauty of a fresh start, and be ready for a wonderful New Year.
Entertaining
Embracing The Magic Between Christmas and New Year’s…
The days between Christmas and New Year’s hold a special kind of charm—work days seem lighter and the frantic holiday pace slows down. Embrace the magic between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s during this time that our team likes to set aside time to reflect, recharge, and revel in the holiday spirit. Instead of succumbing to post-holiday blues, we suggest keeping the celebrations going with a mix of relaxing and fun activities. Start by scheduling casual local outings—think a morning walk in your favorite park or an afternoon enjoying hot chocolate and a book (see what we’re reading in our story) or a holiday puzzle at home. Invite friends over for a nail night or spa evening with soothing masks and festive tunes. If you need downtime, embrace “post-Christmas couch rotting” with cozy blankets, a good book, or a holiday movie marathon. Pair it with comfort food like simple sandwiches or easy pre-prepped appetizers pulled from the freezer. As New Year’s Eve approaches, consider fun and flexible plans. Whether it’s hitting the slopes, enjoying a movie date, or hosting an intimate gathering, the key is to keep it simple. For New Year’s Day, our laid-back Bloody Mary Brunch is always a crowd-pleaser. We show you how to create a DIY bagel bar with bagels from a local shop, lox, cream cheese, and a few toppings. Then, pair it with a fruit salad and a few juices for a no-fuss spread. This is also the perfect time to reflect on the highlights of 2024 and set intentions for the year ahead. Lay out a large sheet of craft paper and encourage everyone to jot down their resolutions—writing down goals or resolutions is a fantastic way to usher in 2025. These little moments of joy and connection keep the holiday magic alive while setting the tone for an exciting and fulfilling new year. So, savor this time, celebrate your way, and let the spirit of the season linger just a little longer. Happy New Year!