7 Ways to Make a New House Feel Like Home for the Holidays
Moving into a new house is both exciting and overwhelming, and the holiday season adds an extra layer of emotions. Whether you’re settling into a new construction home, a historic home, or temporarily renting a space, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere can help ease the transition. Here are seven ways to make your new house feel like home for the holidays.
1. Unpack Your Essentials First
Before diving into holiday decorating, make sure you unpack the items that bring you comfort and joy. This might include your favorite blankets, family photos, or that go-to coffee mug you’ve had for years. Surrounding yourself with familiar items will help your new space feel like yours. If you have holiday-specific keepsakes, like a heirloom Christmas linens, your grandmother’s holiday china, or a festive wreath, unpack those too—they’ll instantly add a sense of tradition.
2. Deck the Halls
Even if you’re still living out of boxes, adding holiday decor can transform your space. Bring in a freshly cut Christmas tree and set it up in the center of a room – you’re likely to have plenty of space if you just moved in! – or start small with a tabletop tree, string lights, or festive garland wound around a banister. Choose decorations that reflect your style and memories. For example, a garland on the staircase or a cozy holiday throw on the couch can bring warmth and cheer. Don’t forget the front door; a welcoming holiday wreath will make your new home inviting from the outside.
3. Cook or Bake Something Festive
Few things evoke a sense of home like the smell of holiday treats. Bake a batch of cookies, simmer mulled cider, or cook a family recipe that reminds you of holidays past. The aromas will fill your home with warmth and nostalgia, making it easier to settle in. Plus, you’ll have something delicious to enjoy while unpacking, organizing, decorating or relaxing.
4. Incorporate Holiday Traditions
Traditions are the glue that makes the holiday season special. Whether it’s watching a particular movie, reading a beloved story, or setting up a nativity scene, bringing these rituals into your new home will help bridge the gap between the unfamiliar and the familiar. If you’re starting fresh, consider creating a new tradition that reflects your new beginning, like hosting a holiday movie marathon or crafting DIY ornaments.
5. Invite Friends and Family Over
The quickest way to make a house feel like home is to fill it with loved ones. Host a small holiday gathering or invite a few close friends over for a cup of hot cocoa or a holiday toddy. Sharing your new space with others will create happy memories and help you feel connected. Your fiends and family will be excited to see your new house, and the buzz of those closest to you will make it feel like home in no time. If you’re far from family, consider a virtual holiday party to include them in your celebrations.
6. Create Cozy Nooks
Carve out spaces in your new home where you can relax and unwind during the busy holiday season. Make one room a “no-box zone” to help you feel like your holidays are not overtaken by the huge project of a making a new house your home. A comfy chair by the fireplace, a reading corner adorned with a string of lights, or a festive nook with pillows and blankets can provide a retreat when you need a moment to yourself. Add some holiday scents, like a pine-scented candle or cinnamon potpourri, to create a holiday ambiance.
7. Reflect and Be Grateful
Moving during the holidays can be stressful, but it also offers a unique opportunity to reflect on new beginnings. Take time to appreciate your journey and the new memories you’re creating. Write down what you’re grateful for this holiday season, and consider incorporating this practice into your holiday decor with a gratitude tree or a jar where everyone can add their thankful notes. Moving into a new house can be the perfect time to start a gratitude journal, and document your journey as you settle into a new environment and new routines.
Conclusion
Turning a new house into a home takes time, but the holidays offer the perfect chance to infuse your space with warmth, love, and joy. By surrounding yourself with familiar items, creating festive nooks, and embracing traditions—old and new—you’ll find that your new home can be just as magical as the old one. Happy holidays!
