With the holiday season here, it’s time to get the house ready for the season of coziness and have everything you could possibly want during this wonderful time of the year. From the bare essentials to the fun stuff, check out these 10 necessities to have on hand to make the next couple of months even more special!

Christmas and the holidays are the season of giving. It's a time when people are more kind and open-hearted. Gisele Bundchen

Firewood

Firewood is one of the first things you have to worry about!
Firewood is one of the first things you have to worry about! Source: Instagram

Stocking up on good, dry firewood is key before winter kicks in, especially if you have a wood stove or fireplace. It’s better to stock up early and have it already on hand when you need it, preventing stress later on and saving you time to enjoy that fireplace.

Pay attention:

Even though it looks super cozy to have stacker firewood inside, it’s best to store them the bulk outdoors to prevent pests and critters from coming in.

Kitchen Treats

Don't forget the kitchen treats!
Don’t forget the kitchen treats! Source: The Odyssey Online 

There is something about winter that increases the appetite: it may be all the snow shovelling, a tiring day at the office or just the darker weather outside. Either way, it’s good to have tea, hot cocoa, and other beverages ready to be savored, as well as casseroles and soups in the freezer, where you can just reheat and have a wonderful meal quickly.

Household Basics

It's better to have everything in hand when you need them!
It’s better to have everything in hand when you need them! Source: Flickr

It may sound redundant, but to get your home holiday ready, don’t forget the household basics. Stock up on:

  • Batteries
  • Bottled water
  • Flashlights
  • Light bulbs
  • Toilet paper
  • Etc.

It’s a major pain to run out of something basic when the streets are icy and the driveway is covered in snow. Oh, and don’t forget to have extras for the guests as well!

Games

Board games will bring some fun to the holidays!
Board games will bring some fun to the holidays! Source: Lolwot

Board games and puzzles are a must for any winter, and the holidays do call for old-school amusements that everybody can play. Pick up some new titles to add to your collection and create some new memories with your family!

Sunlight

Sunlight is very important during winter too
Sunlight is very important during winter too! Source: Lovely Life

Don’t underestimate its power! Lack of sunlight can bring the mood down and bring out the winter blues, so enjoy the sunlight and soak it up whenever it’s present. Leave the curtains open, go out for a walk, and let the sunlight improve your life and the season.

Books

Nothing better than to relax and read a book!
Nothing better than to relax and read a book! Source: Amazing Interior Design

There’s nothing better than enjoying the holiday breaks from work by reading all afternoon and sipping a hot beverage. Piles of books create that inviting atmosphere and can transform the winter boredom into a wonderful adventure into that title you’ve always wanted to read.

Tip:

If you’re not in the mood for reading the books you have at home, visit your local library and check out books outside of your comfort zone, like art and design books, beautiful cookbooks, or interesting fiction. When you’re done, just return and them and grab a new set!

Wine

Wine is important to entertain the guests!
Wine is important to entertain the guests! Source: Med Art Posters

Doesn’t it feel comforting to look at a nice collection of wine in the cupboard or wine rack? If you enjoy having a glass of wine with or after dinner, then it’s good to stock up on your favorite ones to have them in hand when the snow hits. If some guests drop by to celebrate, or if there’s a storm and you can’t drive, you will already have a good bottle to share!

Candles

Candles will instantly make the house cozier!
Candles will instantly make the house cozier! Source: Bees Wonderland

Candles are very useful for emergencies, like a power outage, so it’s important to have a drawer full of them to ensure you won’t be stuck in the dark.

And the best part:

Candles are also great for for creating that lovely environment that an intimate dinner deserves! Bring out the candleholders, prepare some delicious recipes and let the candles make the room instantly cozier!

Warm Socks

Socks will keep your toes warm and comfortable!
Socks will keep your toes warm and comfortable! Source: Ivona

When winter comes and the cold weather kicks in, the tile floors will practically become blocks of ice, breaking that coziness the season brings. Stock up on thick (and playfully patterned) socks to keep your toes warm these next few months!

Bedding and Throws

A cozy throw is everything you need on a winter afternoon.
A cozy throw is everything you need on a winter afternoon. Source: homeyou 

Surviving winter and the holiday season is all about layers, so the more throws, blankets and pillows, the merrier. Nothing better than to sip a hot beverage all cozied up on a throw blanket, right?

Don’t forget:

Have some extra bedding and throws to accommodate the guests when they arrive for the holidays!

How’s your winter prep coming along? Let us know at our Facebook page or in the comments below!

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