People… It’s December already, the last month of the year and the last festival of the year before we ring in yet another New Year. It’s the last chance to decorate and celebrate 2018 and the need for some proper planning cannot be stressed enough. Here are some tips on how to spruce up your home and hearth in time for the festivities and ensure you have a joyful celebration indeed.

1. Clear the clutter: Before you start humming that fa la la la la and get down to decking up the halls, it is essential to clear away the clutter. Remove all non-seasonal curios and knick-knacks from your shelves and table tops to make space for seasonal decorations. This is also a good time to clear out old and unused stuff. Make sure you give yourself at least a couple of days to get through the decluttering phase.
   
   
2. Check your decorations: The earlier you get this done, the more time you will have to shop for new items or replace or repair broken ones. Start with the smaller decorations and tinsels and candles and hangings. The fun thing about doing this is that you can start off decorating the house or the doorway with items that are ship-shape and ready to go. Hang up wreaths or mistletoe or a happy Santa sticker on your door and hey presto! the spirit of Christmas is sure to be upon you every time you step out or step into your house. Get down to the tree the last. Since you’ll be done by now with decluttering and checking your decorations, you can go right ahead and set up the Christmas tree. With the tree done, decorating the rest of the house is easy.
   
   
3. Stock up on food and drinks: Christmas brings with it holidays and holidays bring visitors. Be it family, friends, little ones, you need to be ready to serve some tasty goodies. So, be sure to stock up. If kitchen is your happy space, then you would want to bake some cakes and breads and cookies and chocolates—a sure-fire hit with any age group. For those thinking of baking fruit cakes or plum cakes, if you haven’t soaked your fruits and nuts by now, you’re late! Get soaking already!
   
   
4. Music for the soul: The easiest way to get into the festive mood is to get the festive music playing. Bring out CDs of carols and Christmas songs or cast some from your smartphone and let it fill your home every evening. Sing along, hum along, tap your feet, or swing along… There’s nothing like the Christmas season to bring cheer all around.