How to Enjoy Your First Holiday Season in Your New Home as Newlyweds

You scoured Zillow for months. You toured house after house after house. You found the perfect abode for you and your family, and you signed on the dotted line. That’s just the time you put into buying the house. You had to pack up, move, and redecorate. Whether you’re all moved in or still living out of boxes, whether you’ve got unfinished rooms or you’re fully furnished, the holidays can take a lot of time and energy even without all of that. 

But you’ve got a new house, and you deserve to really enjoy your first holiday season in your new home.

Communication is key.

Before the days get away from you or family members try to pin you down, talk with your partner about your priorities. Everyone is going to want to see the new house, and you probably bought it with the intention of hosting guests. But if it’s not ready, it’s not ready. Decide if you’re ready for guests and in what capacity. You’re probably dying to share your new home, but it may not be worth trying to do too much.

If there was one good thing to come out of 2020, it’s that we’re all more accustomed to meeting over video. Even grandma knows how to Zoom. Giving a virtual tour will be fun for you and anyone who calls, without the added stress of worrying if you have enough clean towels.

Some home improvements will have to wait.

You may have blown your budget on the new house, and you still need to paint four rooms and get carpet for two. If there’s outside work you need done, it may have to wait for warmer weather. If you live where the ground freezes, you’ll just have to accept that putting in that new fence may not be a priority. On the bright side, the money you don’t spend on home improvements can go toward decor. 

When it does come time for a renovation project or two, keep in mind that many upgrades can result in an increase in your home’s appraisal value. Some projects, like remodeling a bathroom or updating the kitchen, have higher returns on the dollar than others, but whatever you do it’s usually worth the investment in the long run. If you’re wondering “How much is my house worth?” you can use a handy online home value calculator, which you can use before and after any upgrade. (Of course, you’ll need to wait until after your property’s annual tax assessment.)

Don’t forget the outdoors.

If you live where it’s snowy, BobVila.com recommends that you may want to go ahead and invest in a snow thrower. One way to quickly ingratiate yourself with the new neighbors is to go ahead and clear the sidewalk for the whole block. Invest in some rock salt and don’t forget the bird seed. If the local wildlife is happy you’ve moved in, everything will be storybook perfect.

Have fun decorating.

Even if you’re not ready for a holiday party, you can still throw a house-warming party. Don’t be shy about creating a wish-list. Everyone will want to get you something, and it could be as simple as holiday decorations. Hopefully, you’ll have many years together in your new house and when you decorate each year, you’ll remember the ornaments that were given to you this first year.

This first year, they’ll forgive you if the decorations are a little sparse. Pittsburgh Garage suggests you can have fun by decorating the garage door with a giant ribbon. Or you can put wrapping paper over any unfinished rooms you want to seal off. You won’t have to say anything, the message will come across, and it will look festive to boot. 

Bring on the new!  

Start some new traditions in your new home!  It’s a terrific foundation for your future celebrations that is all yours. Add a new decoration, enjoy a special outing, or handwrite cards together over cocoa and cookies. Whatever you do, enjoy the time together and savor your new beginning. Don’t forget to take your first-holiday portrait in front of your new house. Shutterfly has some great ideas.

Happy holidays!  

As you approach the holidays, you might feel a little frazzled from the move. If you’re able, use the days off to sleep in, light a fire, and spike some cocoa.

Check out this blog for more tips!