How to make your home feel festive even if no one is coming to visit for the holidays

During a typical holiday season, our homes are filled with family and friends visiting from near and far. This year is anything but typical but there’s no reason your home can’t still feel festive. Here are some ways to get in the holiday spirit even if you’re hosting a smaller or virtual gathering this year.

Add a few festive touches

You don’t have to go all out with the decorations but adding a few small things can go a long way. Carve a pumpkin, get a new cozy blanket, and hang up some string lights. Something as simple as lighting a holiday scented candle can make a movie night at home feel more indulgent. Check out some easy fall decorating ideas for inspiration. 

Add some warmth

If you don’t already have a fireplace in your home, an electric one can be a great option. And Fixer can help install it for you. Drinking hot cocoa by a fireplace gets us in the holiday spirit and doubles as a great Zoom backdrop!

Deck the walls with photos of family and friends

Feeling nostalgic for the good old days of in-person gatherings? Adorn your walls with some memories from last year. Book a Fixer to hang up your framed photos then send a snap of your new gallery wall to grandma.

Indulge in holiday baking

There’s nothing better than the smell of delicious treats baking in the oven during the holidays. Aya Pastry in Chicago offers bake-at-home kits that come with frozen dough, instructions, and parchment paper. Choose from cookies, croissants, scones, and more. Deliver some leftovers to neighbors if you’re feeling generous.   

Get 5 things on your home repair list done, and then celebrate

Spending more time at home means we’re noticing all the things that need fixing in our homes. If you’re prepping your home for fall/winter, check out our Fall Maintenance Checklist for Chicago homeowners to make sure you haven’t missed anything. Get a few things checked off that nagging list then celebrate by watching your favorite holiday movie. Ours is Elf! 

Lights lights lights can change everything

Put up outdoor strand lights early this year then invite friends to do a socially distant drive by. Add a few sets of string lights indoors too for holiday ambiance. It’s essential to have good lighting during all of your virtual holiday parties on Zoom. If you want to get creative, check out 11 DIY ways to decorate with string lights. 

Don’t forget the toilet paper ornaments!

Many in-person events have been canceled which is all the more reason to bring the holiday cheer to you. Add an extra tree or a giant inflatable snowman. In case you haven’t heard, toilet paper ornaments are this year’s trendiest tree decoration. We can’t think of a better way to commemorate the great toilet paper shortage of 2020. 

Feel free to go over the top

You’re stuck at home so why not go all out with the decorations? We could all benefit from a little extra holiday cheer this year. If you need any help getting your home all spruced up, book an elf – we mean Fixer – to assist.