Post-Holiday Cleanup & Chill: A Gentle Reset for Real Life

Nicole
Dec 27, 2025
2 min read

The holidays were magical… and also kind of chaotic. There’s glitter in places glitter should never be, the fridge has mystery leftovers, and the tree will soon feel like a roommate who has overstayed it's welcome. If you’re ready for a reset without going full scrub-the-baseboards energy, here’s the post-holiday cleanup plan I swear by.

Step 1: The “Bare Minimum” Reset

No pressure. Just quick wins:

Clear the counters & table
Toss trash and recycling
Gather stray décor in ONE bin (sorting later is a future-me problem)

Instant visual relief. Like taking a deep breath for your house.

Step 2: Make It Cozy Before You Clean

Set the vibe so it doesn’t feel like punishment:

Lamps > overhead lights
Something calm playing in the background
A warm drink (hot chocolate totally counts as self-care)

If the energy feels peaceful, everything feels easier.

Step 3: Put Christmas Away Without the Drama

When do you start packing up Christmas decor? Is it the day after Christmas? Or do you wait until the New Year? When you do:

Keep what you love
Store what you want next year
Let go of what brings guilt, takes up space, or is just… broken

Release the ornament from 2003. You know the one.

Step 4: Slide Into Winter Mode

You don’t have to flip to spring décor overnight. Think: winter cabin - not holiday explosion.

Whites, blues, greenery
Candles, lights (Santa-free)
Clean, cozy blankets

A gentle shift feels better than a total overhaul.

Step 5: Rest Is Part of the Plan

Once you’ve done enough, stop. Couch nap. Tea. A chapter of a book. Stare at a wall like a Victorian ghost. Whatever. You’re allowed to reset your home and protect your peace at the same time.