Home Holiday Tips & Tricks

 

DO TO-DOS

• A great way to make you’re leaving things to the last-minute is to start a to-do list. Putting your tasks into a list allows you to manage your time better and prioritize what has to be done.

• Starting early allows you to get things out of the way, allowing you to actually enjoy your holiday season.

LIGHT RIGHT

• If we’ve learned anything from Clark Griswald, the most important thing about lighting is not overdoing it. Plugging too many strands into each other or too many cords into a power strip can overload a circuit. 
• ​Make sure you turn off your lights while you are away from your home for extended periods.
• If you’re placing outdoor lights, make sure the ones you use are labeled for outside use, just because they look weatherproof doesn’t mean they are!

TREE TRICKS

• A great way to keep a natural tree looking fresh through the new year is to saw off the bottom ½ inch of the trunk. This allows the tree to easily absorb water and stay hydrated.​
• ​Hand sanitizer is an easy way to get pine sap off of your hands.
• Use bitter apple spray on the bottom of your tree to keep your pets away.
• Stabilize a fake tree with a bag of rice to keep it from tipping or wobbling.

STAY SAFE

• Don’t display gifts near a large picture window for the whole world to see.
• Replace any frayed electrical cords to avoid fire hazards.
• After opening your new presents, make sure boxes for expensive items aren’t left out on the curb. You never know who might want your new flatscreen.
• Don’t leave fires unattended, even if it’s in the fireplace.

ENJOY IT

• Our holidays look different than ever before. And even though we all love the decorations, the gifts, and the food, the holidays are about spending time with the people we love – even if it’s virtual or a smaller gathering this year. If you’re ever feeling too stressed, slow down for a moment and remember what the holidays are truly about.