The holiday season is filled with moments of magic — twinkling lights, cozy recipes, family gatherings, and memories we look forward to all year long. But let’s be honest… it can also be a lot.
Between teens running in every direction, dogs who think the ornaments are new toys, endless dishes, content deadlines, and a mama doing her very best to make it all happen… the holidays can feel chaotic fast.
And if you’re anything like me, a little outer order brings a whole lot of inner peace.
I swear, when my kitchen is clean, my brain works better, the house feels calmer, and I magically become a nicer person. 😅✨
That’s exactly why I created this simple Holiday Home Reset Checklist — a few easy systems that help keep your home feeling fresh, calm, and inviting during the busiest (and best!) time of the year.
These tiny habits save me HOURS each week and make my house feel cleaner, cozier, and so much easier to manage as a single mom of three teens with dogs, chaos, and a whole lot of love.
Let’s make December simpler, lighter, and a whole lot more peaceful.
Here’s how…
🧹 THE HOLIDAY HOME RESET CHECKLIST
✨ The 10-Minute Daily Reset
These are quick, doable tasks that instantly change the energy of your home — without feeling overwhelming.
- Clear kitchen counters
- Load or unload the dishwasher
- Wipe down surfaces
- Reset the sink (hot soapy water + scrub)
- Take out trash/recycling
- Sweep high-traffic spots
- Fluff pillows + fold throws
Why it matters:
A clean sink and clear counters are pure holiday-season therapy. It sets the tone for the whole day.
Weekly Reset (Holiday Edition)
Once a week — usually on Sundays — these tasks make the whole house feel refreshed and ready.
- Clean out the fridge
- Wipe down appliances
- Sanitize handles + doorknobs
- Check pantry for expired items
- Wash towels + cozy blankets
- Vacuum rugs + couch (pets + teens = crumbs 😂)
Why it matters:
Holiday cooking, guests, and busier schedules make upkeep so much easier when you’re ahead of it.
🎄 Holiday Chaos Management Hacks
Because December comes with gifts, wrapping paper, shopping bags, secret hiding spots, and 14 extra trips to Target.
- Create a “drop zone” for bags, shoes, mail, sports stuff
- Keep one donation box available (unstuff the house!)
- Use baskets to hide quick clutter
- Light a candle for an instant “clean” smell
- Keep counters as clear as possible
- Make a holiday command center (wrapping paper, tape, tags, pens)
Why it matters:
Systems = sanity.
Mental Load Lifesavers
These are the tiny shifts that make December feel less stressful and more manageable.
- Set a 15-minute timer and clean until it dings
- Reset your kitchen before bed
- Do ONE small task each morning
- Choose one “non-negotiable” reset for the day
- Keep cleaning supplies accessible in each room
Why it matters:
The mental load is heavy this time of year — these tiny choices lighten the weight.
MY HOLIDAY CLEANING FAVORITES
Cleaning with products you actually love is a game-changer — especially when time is tight.
As a busy single mom + full-time content creator, these tools keep my home clean without slowing me down.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be magical.
Sometimes the magic is because of the chaos — the messy kitchen, the loud teens, the dogs, the laughter, the late nights, and all the little moments in between.
A clean home doesn’t mean an Instagram-perfect home — it just means you’re giving yourself a few minutes of peace in the middle of the beautiful December whirlwind.
And honestly?
You deserve that. 🤍✨
