We’re already well into November and the festive season has a way of sneaking up on us fast. Before you know it, shopping centres are playing Christmas carols, calendars are overflowing with year-end functions, and school holidays are around the corner.
If you usually find yourself scrambling to clean, decorate, shop, and prepare your home at the last minute, you’re definitely not alone, but maybe this is the year to try a different approach.
The key to a calm, joyful, and truly merry festive season lies in early planning. A few smart steps taken today can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress later.
Lew Geffen Sotheby's International Realty shares seven practical things you can do now to get your home and yourself ready for the festive season:
Before you even think about tinsel and fairy lights, give your home and yourself a fresh start.
Decluttering and cleaning now means less fuss and stress when it’s time to decorate or host guests.
Declutter one room at a time and start by sorting items into three piles: keep, donate, or discard. Clear out wardrobes, children's toy boxes, and kitchen cupboards, especially if you'll be making room for guests, gifts, and festive supplies.
Once you've decluttered, tackle a deep clean. Wash curtains, polish furniture, wipe down skirting boards and clean windows. South Africa’s summer Christmas means dust and pollen build up quickly, so freshen up your home now and you’ll have a sparkling canvas ready for festive décor.
If your budget allows, hire a professional cleaning service for carpets and upholstery in November, everything will look and smell fresh for the holidays.
With our warm South African December weather, the festive season often spills outdoors - braai's, pool parties and Christmas lunch al fresco are all part of the charm.
Now is the perfect time to spruce up your garden, patio, or entertainment area.
• Trim the lawn and tidy up flower beds. Add hardy, colourful summer plants like petunias or geraniums.
• Check outdoor furniture. Clean cushions, fix wobbly chairs and replace any broken items.
• Service the braai or gas grill, you don’t want to discover an empty gas bottle on Christmas Eve!
• Add festive lighting. Solar-powered fairy lights or lanterns create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for evening gatherings.
A well-prepared outdoor area extends your entertaining space and makes hosting guests feel effortless.
Whether you prefer a classic red-and-gold Christmas or a coastal, minimalist theme, planning your décor now before December rushes in, saves time and money.
Start by taking stock of what you already own. Check your fairy lights, wreaths, baubles and ornaments. Dispose of broken items and make a list of what needs replacing.
Next, decide on your colour scheme or theme. Recent trends include natural tones (wood, greenery, white), metallic accents, or African-inspired Christmas décor that celebrates local craftsmanship.
The kitchen is the heart of festive activity - baking treats, preparing Christmas lunch, hosting gatherings. Getting it organised now will save you from the December chaos.
Start by cleaning out your pantry and fridge. Discard expired items, check your baking staples, and note what needs restocking.
If you plan to host, finalise your holiday menus early. From the traditional roast to a South African-style seafood braai, planning ahead allows you to gradually purchase non-perishables instead of panic-shopping later.
Also take stock of your serving dishes, glasses, and cutlery. If you’re hosting a crowd, you may need to borrow or hire extras, best organised well in advance.
There’s nothing worse than discovering a broken geyser, faulty oven or leaking tap when guests are due to arrive. Prevent festive disasters by tackling maintenance tasks now, while there’s still time to fix them.
Check these key areas:
• Geyser and plumbing: Look for leaks or pressure issues.
• Electrical systems: Test plugs, lights, and appliances, especially those you'll rely on for cooking or entertaining.
• Air conditioning or fans: Clean filters so they're ready for the summer heat.
• Pool or water features: Clean and balance chemicals before the December rush.
If you're travelling over Christmas, also check your home security systems, test alarms, outdoor lighting, and locks. Early attention to maintenance ensures a smoother, safer holiday season.
If you'll be hosting overnight visitors, now is the ideal time to prepare a comfortable guest space.
Freshen up bedding and towels. Wash or replace any items that look tired.
• Declutter the guest room so visitors have space for their belongings.
• Add thoughtful touches: a bedside lamp, extra hangers, a few festive decorations, or a jug of water on the nightstand.
If you don’t have a spare bedroom, create a cosy nook in a study or lounge with a sleeper couch or air mattress. Preparing early ensures your guests feel welcomed and considered.
December fills up quickly with events, travel plans and gift exchanges. Create your festive calendar now to keep everything organised.
Mark key dates:
• School holidays
• Office parties and family gatherings
• Shopping deadlines
• Travel or special events
Then, set aside weekends for specific tasks- decorating, baking, and gift wrapping.
When it comes to gifts, starting early avoids crowded malls and sold-out favourites. Buying gradually also spreads out the cost and allows you to choose more meaningful gifts.
Look for local markets and artisans selling handmade items, supporting small businesses adds heart to your giving.
Finally, stock up early on essentials like wrapping paper, batteries and non-perishable treats. You’ll be grateful when everyone else is braving the December rush.
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Getting your home ready for the festive season doesn’t have to be stressful. By starting now you’ll create a calm, organised foundation for all the fun and festivity to come.
From sparkling windows to twinkling lights and a fridge full of festive ingredients, each step you take in advance means less rushing and more enjoyment when the celebrations truly begin.
So put on your favourite playlist, pour a glass of something chilled, and start ticking off your list. This year, let’s make Christmas merrier, not by doing more, but by planning smarter.
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