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. 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.

3. Explore local Christmas markets

One of the joys of moving to a new area is discovering its seasonal traditions. Visiting local Christmas markets is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in your community, find unique Christmas decorations and support small businesses. 

Search online or ask your neighbours for recommendations on the best markets nearby. Some popular features to look out for include:

• Artisan gifts and handmade ornaments to personalise your home.
• Festive food and drink to stock your kitchen ready for celebrations.
• Activities like carol singing or ice skating for a fun family outing.

These events are a great way to feel connected with your community and make memories of your first Christmas in your new home.

4. Start new 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.

5. 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. 

6. Take time to relax

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. 

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!