The end of the year is coming up quickly, which means the holiday season is upon us. And, this year more than ever, people could really use a little holiday cheer. However, with COVID-19 cases on the rise, being together is becoming less and less likely. It seems that many immediate families are staying home and orchestrating a virtual celebration via platforms like Zoom or Skype, and for most of them it’s their first time doing so. That said, there are still some key things to keep in mind when prepping for your small or remote gathering this season.
Make it FEEL Like the Holidays
Being remote or having a smaller family gathering will be hard for some. Whether it’s the difficulty some people may have actually using technology to be remote or just being separated from loved ones altogether, the key to getting through this holiday season in the midst of this devastating pandemic is to make it fun and unique.
Prepping your home by cleaning, setting the table with place mats, decorating and doing all the things you would normally do could help get you into the right mood and mindset of the season. Another fun activity if you plan to celebrate virtually is planning a pseudo-game night event, with board games or card games. There are even sites where you can play all sorts of classic board games online for free.
Of course, one of the best things to do is just talk to your friends and family. It may seem obvious, but many people will get caught up in trying to do so much to make this year special. Sitting down virtually and reminiscing about old times and having meaningful conversations with them will go a very long way.
Prepping the Appliances
Thanks to the pandemic, you’ve probably spent most of your year indoors. In fact, Sense data shows that home energy demand increased by 22% since COVID-19. As winter starts to creep up, it’s likely that most homes will see a significant jump in the use of their central heating system.
On top of that, with all the cooking you may be doing during the holiday, having a properly functioning refrigerator and oven will be crucial. Considering all of these things, it may be time for you to make sure you have all the bases covered ahead of time and look into a home warranty if you haven’t already. If any of your major home appliances conk out on you, being covered could potentially save you thousands of dollars (and stress), which is increasingly important during this time of the year.
Prepping the Home
Outside of worrying about your major home appliances, it’s smart to consider evaluating your home as a whole during this time of year as well. Especially in the winter months, outside forces can take a dramatic toll on your home. It’s essential to take just a few minutes to look around the inside and outside and make any changes if need be. This can save you from a massive headache, something that’s surely not needed with the holidays around the corner. Some things that you want to look out for include:
- Overhanging trees or branches that may fall onto your home
- Structural issues with your roof that may cause it to leak or even cave in
- Cracked or uninsulated windows
- Any gaps or cracks in the foundation that may help critters and rodents to get in
- A properly cleaned and well-maintained fireplace
These are just some small things to look for to help keep your home safe from a number of home disasters that become more frequent as we progress into the colder months of the holiday season. But as we know, things can happen, especially if bad weather hits, so try to stay ahead of the game.
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