Holiday Survival Guide
The holiday season brings magic, joy, and perhaps a little too much eggnog (because it’s part of the fun). It’s the perfect time for creating cherished family memories - but also the occasional challenge of spending all your time together.
Feeling the holiday stress creeping in? Don’t worry - you’re not alone.
To help you survive the holidays with your budget, health, and sanity intact, we’ve created a must-read guide. If your home is already decluttered, dive into our seven expert tips to stay organized and stress-free and truly enjoy the season of giving.
1. Secret Santa to the rescue!
Ever find yourself saying, “Where did these 12 new family members come from?” during the holidays? The growing guest list hasn’t been kind to your wallet, leaving you cradling a glass of wine and your credit card bill. Time to simplify! Secret Santa is the perfect solution: each family member draws a name and gives one thoughtful gift instead of shopping for everyone. This way, you can save both time and money - while keeping the wine budget intact.
Worried about wine spills during the festivities? Don’t fret! Check out our guide on how to remove white and red wine stains naturally for simple, effective tips.
2. Arts and crafts, or great-looking natural detergents as gifts
Get creative this holiday season with arts and crafts - or eco-friendly gifts that stand out! Skip the consumerism trap and make your own decorations using pine cones, holly, and evergreen branches. They’re abundant, smell amazing, and are completely free. Ditch plastic decorations that are hard to recycle and opt for sustainable alternatives.
For thoughtful, unconventional gifts, consider AspenClean’s natural laundry detergent pods or dishwasher pods. They’re practical, plastic-free, and make a beautiful statement under the Christmas tree. Plus, you can try them now to see if they’ll replace liquid detergent in 2025. A greener holiday starts with mindful choices!
3. All is calm, all is LED bright
Stay festive without breaking the bank - or risking your safety - by switching to certified LED holiday lights. These energy-efficient lights use up to 80% less power than traditional string lights, helping you save on your electricity bill. Plus, they’re designed to last up to 25 times longer, making them a durable and cost-effective choice.
Not only are LED lights eco-friendly, but they’re also safer. Their cooler temperature reduces the risk of fires and injuries, while their sturdy design - with no moving parts, filaments, or glass - makes them shock-resistant and long-lasting. As a bonus, you can recycle your old string lights for an even greener holiday season.
4. Choose Christmas tree wisely
Choosing the perfect Christmas tree can feel like a holiday dilemma. A natural Christmas tree has its benefits: the fresh scent, improved indoor air quality, and the ability to recycle it into mulch for local parks and gardens after the holidays. However, it comes with challenges like shedding needles, potential allergens, and even bugs. While it’s a great excuse to take out and use our natural floor cleaner, the cleanup can be a hassle.
On the flip side, artificial Christmas trees offer unmatched convenience. They’re reusable, easy to set up, and mess-free. But they’re often made from materials like PVC, laden with chemicals that take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Plus, many are produced overseas, increasing their environmental impact. If you’re leaning towards artificial, consider buying a second-hand tree to reduce waste and make a more eco-friendly choice.
5. Drink in Bulk
Save space, time, and money this holiday season by choosing to drink in bulk. Skip the individually packaged holiday drinks like eggnog or hot chocolate and make your own instead - it’s a classic move that never goes out of style. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try making your first wine batch? Not only does it save on packaging, but it’s a fun and cost-effective holiday project. We hope you’ll share, but no judgment if you decide to keep it all to yourself!
6. Mix and Match
Running out of cutlery or plates for your holiday gatherings? Instead of buying disposable plates and cutlery, ask your friends or family to bring some along. Not only does this save you money, but it also helps reduce waste. Did you know there’s enough disposable cutlery to circle the Earth three times? Plus, clashing designs are in vogue, so don’t worry about matching everything perfectly. After the party, wash your dishes with our non-toxic dish soap - just one pump is all you need for sparkling results!
7.House Cleaning Services as a Christmas Gift
This holiday season, why not give the gift of relaxation? Book a house cleaning service in Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary, and take a well-deserved break from the holiday hustle. With one less task on your list, you can truly enjoy time with loved ones and rest easy knowing everything is taken care of. Give yourself the gift of a clean home and enter the new year with a fresh start. Ready for 2025? Don’t forget, the Lunar New Year is just around the corner!
