Making the most of your first Christmas in your new home

Moving into a new home is exciting and your first Christmas there makes it even more special. It's a chance to create new traditions, explore your local area and turn your house into a festive haven. Whether you've just settled in or still unpacking, this guide will help you make the most of celebrating Christmas in your new home. 

From clearing out those leftover moving boxes to hosting a memorable Christmas Day, here are practical, family-friendly ideas to make your first festive season unforgettable.

1. Clear the clutter for a fresh start

Before you deck out your house with decorations, it's important to clear any lingering moving clutter. If you've recently moved home with Pickfords, you can take advantage of our box collection service. Getting rid of unused packing boxes not only frees up space but also sets the tone for a more organised and stress-free Christmas. 

Use this as an opportunity to identify areas that need tidying and ensure your home feels comfortable and inviting. Once the boxes are out of the way, you'll have plenty of room to plan your festive decor.

2. Add festive warmth with traditional Christmas decorations

Your first Christmas in a new home is the perfect opportunity to blend old traditions with new beginnings. Many UK Christmas customs, such as hanging wreaths on the front door, displaying Christmas trees in the living room and exchanging cards, bring instant cheer to any space.

To make your home feel festive:

• Highlight key areas- Decorate the entrance, mantelpiece, windows and the house itself to make your space feel cosy and inviting.
• Mix old and new- Combine cherished ornaments with a Christmas bauble with gift or two to mark your new chapter.
• Add soft lighting-  Use warm fairy lights, candles or lanterns to create a gentle winter glow.

Simple touches like these reflect both Christmas customs and traditions in England and your personal style, making your new home truly yours, while also connecting you to a festive tradition shared by many.

3. Create a cosy, festive atmosphere

Your first Christmas in a new home is the perfect time to experiment with the decor that suits your new space. Start with these ideas:

• Highlight key spaces. Whether it's a fireplace, staircase or window ledge, focus on the features that make your new home unique.
• DIY decorations. Get creative with homemade ornaments and garlands - perfect for adding a personal, Christmas touch to your new home.
• Choose a theme. Match your decorations to the style of your home, whether that's modern minimalism or classic cosy charm.

If you're still unpacking, remember to keep your decorations simple and focus on quality over quantity.

4. Choose winter decorations that suit your space

If you’ve recently moved, focus on winter decorations for your new home that complement its design. Many people start decorating their homes in the run up to Christmas, choosing colours and textures that enhance their space—greens and golds for a classic look or silvers and blues for a modern finish.

For smaller homes, subtle accents such as garlands, wall hangings or tabletop trees can provide a festive feel without taking up too much room. If you’re short on space, consider using self storage for extra room while decorating; it allows you to temporarily store boxes, furniture or seasonal items until the holidays are over.

5. Start with Christmas traditions

Your new home opens the door to new family traditions. Here are a few of our favourite Christmas traditions for you to consider:

• A family decorating day- Dedicate a day to putting up the tree and decorations together. 
• Christmas movie nights- Create a snug spot in your new living room for watching festive classics.
• Neighbourhood Christmas walks- Take an evening stroll to admire the lights and decorations in your local area.
• Christmas Eve boxes- Fill a box with festive treats like pyjamas, a small gift or a book to open and enjoy Christmas Eve. It's a fun way to build anticipation for the big day.
• New ornament tradition- Start a tradition of adding a new ornament to your tree each year to represent a special memory or a milestone, such as moving into your new home.
• Festive baking day- Gather the family in your new kitchen to bake Christmas cookies, mince pies or a traditional Yule log. Share the treats with neighbours as a way to spread holiday cheer.

These small but meaningful traditions can help your family bond, creating lasting memories and make your new home truly yours during the festive season.

6. Host Christmas Day

Hosting Christmas Day in your new home might feel daunting, but it's also an opportunity to showcase your space and bring everyone together. Here's how to make it stress-free:

• Plan ahead- Decide on your menu and table layout early so you are prepared and not in a huge rush on the run up to the day.
• Use your space wisely- Rearrange furniture to create a warm, open atmosphere. Temporary self storage can be a lifesaver if you need to move unused furniture or unpacked boxes out of the way.
• Delegate- Don't hesitate to ask family members to bring dishes or help put up your Christmas decorations. 

Whether it's a more casual affair or a formal dinner, hosting your first Christmas is the perfect way to make your new house feel like home during the festive period. 

7. Create room for entertaining and guests

The holidays often bring visitors, family dinners and extra activities. To make your home more comfortable:

• Rearrange furniture to open up common areas.
• Store unused pieces or bulky boxes in storage space for extra room- a practical solution if you’ve only recently finished moving.
• Keep essentials close by while maintaining a tidy environment.

Pickfords’ self storage facilities across the UK, including Manchester, Horsham and Edinburgh, provide short-term storage options to help you make the most of your living space during the festive season.

Christmas Eve traditions to start in your new home

Christmas Eve is a magical time to create new memories and traditions in your new home, drawing inspiration from beloved British Christmas traditions. One wonderful way to build excitement for the big day is to prepare a Christmas Eve box or bag for each family member, filled with festive treats like new pajamas, a favorite holiday book or movie and perhaps a few sweet snacks to enjoy together.

Another cherished Christmas tradition is to open one small gift on Christmas Eve to add a touch of anticipation before Christmas morning.

Explore local Christmas markets for inspiration

Visiting a Christmas market is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit and find inspiration for your holiday celebrations.  Stroll through your local Christmas market to discover unique gifts for family and friends, from handmade ornaments and decorations to artisanal food and drink.

Christmas markets are also a fantastic source of decorating ideas, with stalls brimming with festive ornaments, wreaths and creative displays. You might find the perfect center-piece for your Christmas table or a new ornament to mark your first holiday in your new home.

Beyond shopping, Christmas markets are a wonderful way to enjoy the company of loved ones, listen to carol singers and soak up the joyful atmosphere that makes this time of year so special. Whether you’re searching for gifts, decorations or simply a bit of holiday magic, exploring a Christmas market is sure to inspire your own festive traditions.

Prepare for the new year

Once Christmas Day has passed, a few thoughtful changes can carry your festive spirit into the new year and help prepare your home and spirit for the coming year. Add fresh greenery, candles and soft fabrics to transition your New Year and Christmas home decorations into a warmer winter setting.

If you’re planning to refresh your interiors or reorganise after the holidays, use self storage to safely hold decorations, spare furniture or outdoor items until spring. It keeps your home clutter-free and ready for a new start.

How Pickfords can help this festive season

The festive season can be hectic, especially if it coincides with moving home. Make sure to carve out time to relax and enjoy the season. Simple activities like sipping a hot chocolate by the fire, reading a festive book or having a family game night can bring joy without added stress.

If you have an upcoming move with Pickfords, consider utilising our tailored services designed to take the hassle out of moving, so you can focus on enjoying your first Christmas instead of worrying about the logistics. 

Common Christmas customs and traditions in England

Typical Christmas customs in England have deep roots in Britain’s history, especially from Victorian times.

• The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree was popularised by Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, who brought the custom from his native Germany.
• Hanging stockings by the fireplace is linked to the legend of Saint Nicholas, who inspired the tradition of leaving gifts for children.
• Victorian literature, especially Dickens’ Christmas Carol, helped shape many modern customs, such as festive meals and charitable giving.
• The royal Christmas speech tradition began with King George V, who delivered the first address by radio broadcast in 1932, a practice continued by King George and later monarchs.
• Sending Christmas cards is another cherished tradition originally created to save time compared to writing individual personal messages.
• In Edwardian times, the servants hall was the setting for staff celebrations, where presents and money were given to staff and children as tokens of appreciation.
• Before turkey became the main Christmas meal, British people would often eat geese, with turkey later becoming the popular choice.
• Festive foods like Christmas pudding and mince pies are made with dried fruit, dried fruits and other fruit and children often help make the pudding, adding charms and a silver coin to bring good luck.
• At the table, it’s traditional to pull a cracker or crackers. Christmas crackers are festive paper tubes invented by sweet maker Tom Smith, containing a small gift, a paper hat, a joke and sometimes beauty products.
• Other customs include carol singing, festive markets and even Christmas Day swims, where participants often wear Santa costumes. These traditions reflect the rich origins and evolving history of Christmas in Britain.

Celebrating Christmas in your new home is an exciting opportunity to create lasting memories, build new traditions or host a special Christmas Day.

Be sure to take time to unwind, explore your local community and fully embrace the festive spirit in your new space. Here's to a joyful, stress-free festive season!