Getting your home host ready for the holidays
This is your official 8 week countdown to Christmas!
If you’re anything like me, you probably can’t believe Christmas is only eight weeks away. Between gift lists, guest rooms, meal prep, and the whirlwind of decorating, it’s easy to feel like the holidays sneak up on you every year — even when you swear you’ll start earlier next time.
This year feels especially meaningful for our family. It’ll be our first Christmas with our little one, and I’m already imagining her wide-eyed wonder at the lights, the tree, and the cozy moments we’ll share as a family. There’s something about seeing the season through a child’s eyes that reminds you what it’s all really about — connection, joy, and presence. But I’ll be honest — even as a professional organizer, I’ve had to stop myself from getting overwhelmed thinking about how to make the season feel magical without letting the to-do list take over. If you’re nodding along, feeling the same way, this post is for you. So let’s take a deep breath together. We’re going to break this down week by week — not in a rigid, Pinterest-perfect way, but in a realistic, “I actually have a life” way.
By the time Christmas week arrives, your home will feel calm, your freezer will be stocked, your guest spaces will be ready, and you’ll actually be able to enjoy your gatherings instead of feeling like you’re running a marathon.
Week 8: Make Space for the Season
Before you even think about decorating, start by making space — physically and mentally. Spend an hour or two walking through the main areas of your home and notice where clutter tends to gather: the entryway, the kitchen counters, the living room. You don’t have to overhaul everything, but removing just a few extra layers now will make the season lighter later. Donate things you no longer use, toss expired pantry items, and make room in closets for winter coats or extra linens.
I like to think of it as inviting the holidays in. When your home feels open and refreshed, it sets the tone for everything that follows.
Week 7: Plan What’s Coming — and What You Can Let Go Of
This week, look ahead at your calendar and get a realistic picture of what the next two months look like. Do you have friends or family visiting? Are you hosting a dinner or two (or three)? Write it all down, but here’s the secret: also note what you can say no to. If you’ve hosted three events every December for the past five years and found yourself exhausted by New Year’s Eve, maybe this is the year you scale back. Focus on the moments that feel meaningful — the ones you’ll remember.
This is also the perfect time to book help. Whether that’s scheduling your cleaning service, organizing team, or hiring someone to hang your lights, doing it now means you won’t have to scramble later when everyone’s calendar is full.
Week 6: Create Calm Guest Spaces
There’s something special about welcoming guests into a space that feels calm and intentional. If you’re hosting this season, now’s the time to prepare your guest rooms and bathrooms. Wash and layer fresh bedding, add a cozy throw, and stock the nightstand with simple touches — a candle, tissues, a carafe of water, maybe even the Wi-Fi password. If your guest bath doubles as a family bath, declutter under the sink and refill the hand soap and towels. When your guests walk in and everything feels ready, it sets a peaceful tone for their stay and yours. You won’t be frantically washing sheets at midnight before your in-laws arrive — trust me, I’ve been there.
Week 5: The Heart of It All — Kitchen & Freezer Prep
If you love hosting, your kitchen is about to become mission control. This is your week to get it holiday-ready. Start by giving your refrigerator and freezer a good clean-out. Toss anything expired or half-empty, and group items by category so you can actually see what you have. It’s like hitting the reset button. Next, take inventory of your baking supplies — flour, sugar, spices, oils — and make note of what needs replenishing. If you’re hosting multiple times this season, meal prepping and freezing is a game changer. I love to make and freeze soups, breakfast casseroles, and cookie dough so we can bake fresh when guests arrive. Label everything with a date and note what’s inside — it’ll save you time, sanity, and freezer Tetris later.
Your kitchen deserves to feel joyful too. Turn on some Christmas music, light a candle, and make it a moment instead of a chore.
Week 4: Decorate with Intention
Now comes the fun part — decorating! Before you unpack every bin, take a moment to think about how you want your home to feel this year. Cozy? Minimal? Natural and warm? For us, this Christmas feels especially nostalgic. I want the décor to be simple — soft lights, natural greenery, handmade ornaments that remind us of special memories. Start with the main areas — your entryway, mantle, and living room — and let your design flow from there. Check your lights before stringing them up (learned that one the hard way), and prep your tree stand in advance so setup is smooth.
Even small spaces can feel festive — a touch of greenery in the bathroom, a candle in the hallway, a wreath by the door. It’s less about quantity and more about creating warmth and meaning.
Week 3: The Tree & The Gifts
If you haven’t already, this is your week to bring the tree to life. Whether you prefer a real one or a faux beauty, set aside a day to truly enjoy the process. Fluff the branches, check the lights, and take your time decorating. I love starting with the bigger ornaments first, then filling in with smaller accents and ribbon. This is also the week to set up a gift wrapping station — even if it’s just a rolling cart or a basket tucked in a corner. Keep scissors, tape, ribbon, tags, and paper together so wrapping feels easy, not chaotic.
Wrap as you go, instead of waiting until Christmas Eve. (You’ll thank yourself later.)
Week 2: Plan, Prep, and Shop Smart
By now, the finish line is in sight — but this is where things can start to feel a little crazy if you’re not careful. Let’s keep it calm. Start by finalizing your holiday menus. Write out what you’ll serve for each gathering and create your grocery list in sections — pantry, produce, freezer, and refrigerated items. If you can, do one big grocery run for shelf-stable items and save perishables for the week of Christmas. You can even start prepping casseroles or cookie dough now and freeze them. And when it comes to gifts — if you still have a few names unchecked, remember: the most meaningful gifts aren’t always the most expensive. Sometimes it’s a handwritten card, a framed photo, or an experience shared together.
Week 1: The Finishing Touches
You made it!
This final week is all about those small, joyful details that make your home feel warm and ready. Touch up the bathrooms, fluff the pillows, and light your favorite candle. If you’re hosting, set your table a day early so you can enjoy how beautiful it looks without the last-minute rush. Turn on your favorite playlist, pour something festive, and take it all in. You’ve done the work — now you get to enjoy the reward.
My Favorite Part — Making Space for What Matters
As I prepare for our first Christmas with our daughter, I keep reminding myself that the perfect holiday isn’t about having every decoration just right — it’s about being present. She won’t remember what our table setting looked like or how many cookies we baked, but she’ll remember the feeling of being together, cozy, and loved. And that’s really what this whole checklist is about — making space for joy, connection, and peace.
If the thought of keeping up with it all still feels overwhelming, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at Green Mountain Space has helped dozens of Asheville families create stress-free, beautiful homes for the holidays — from decorating and organizing to gift wrapping and guest room prep. So whether you’re hosting three dinners, juggling little ones, or simply want to actually enjoy your Christmas this year, we’d love to help make it happen. Because the holidays should feel magical — not like one more thing on your to-do list. Book your complimentary consultation today.
