THE POST-CHRISTMAS RESET: Reclaiming Your Home (The Easy Way)

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas filled with love, laughter, and far too much good food. I’m doing great, though I am currently sitting in the middle of what looks like a wrapping paper explosion—anyone else?

As much as I love the magic of the big day, that period between Christmas and New Year’s can feel a bit… well, chaotic. The house is full of new gadgets, the fridge is bursting with leftovers, and I usually have no idea what day of the week it is!

Instead of stressing about a massive “Deep Clean,” I like to follow a “Gentle Reset” routine. It’s about clearing the clutter so you can actually enjoy the last few days of the year without feeling overwhelmed. Here is my simple, step-by-step guide to getting your home (and your sanity) back in order with the post-Christmas reset.

Before you do anything else, grab a large bin bag and do a quick sweep of the main living areas. Clear away all the ripped paper, empty boxes, and plastic packaging. It’s amazing how much “space” you get back just by removing the trash. If you have high-quality gift bags or ribbons, put them in one designated box to reuse next year—but if it’s crumpled, let it go!

Christmas usually means new things entering the home. If you just add them to what you already have, the clutter gets out of hand real quick. I would suggest that for every new toy, kitchen gadget, or piece of clothing you receive, try to find one old version to donate or discard. This stops the “Post-Christmas Pile-up” before it starts. It’s a great time to involve the kids, too—helping them choose which old toys to give to someone else who might need them.

My fridge after Christmas is usually a puzzle. There’s lamb or chicken, types of cheese, and half a bowl of roasted potatoes and more leftovers. Do a quick “Audit.” Throw away anything that’s definitely past its best. Then, plan one or two “Dump Meals”—such as a curry, a large leftover stew, or a grilled sandwich using the leftover cheese. This way, you save money on groceries this week, and you slowly reclaim your fridge shelves. It’s a win-win!

Don’t worry about the guest room or the attic right now. Just focus on the places where you actually spend your time—the kitchen counter, the living room and wherever. Clear the surfaces. Put the remote controls back, stack the new books, and do a quick wipe down. When the surfaces are clear, the whole room feels 50% cleaner, even if there’s still a pile of laundry left. It gives your eyes a place to rest.

This is the most important part of the routine! This week is meant for resting. Once the “trash” is out and the fridge is sorted, stop. Put on your fluffiest socks, grab a mug of tea or a glass of wine, and just be. You’ve done the hard work of resetting the space. Now, enjoy the “Betwixt and Between” days. New Year’s resolutions can wait; for now, enjoy the quiet.

Remember, it’s not about perfection; it’s about making your life easier so you can enjoy these final moments of 2025. Take it one day at a time!