Today I am pushing back on those ideas with some simple solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We have all walked into a living room and immediately felt uncomfortable or uneasy. In this post, I will explore what changes can we make in our homes to create a more comfortable and relaxed space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The planning and thought that goes into a home has several areas:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Organization<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keeping things Clean<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Comfort<\/strong> (also called Hygge)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- and the Rhythms \/ Routines<\/strong> in your family<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"white](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image.jpeg\" "\\"white")
<\/a>Photo by Jeffrey Wegrzyn<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nOrganization<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Clearing clutter brings me an inner sense of calm, a peace that comes from knowing everything is in its place. When I let go of things I no longer need, I create space for what truly matters and recognize the season of life I’m in. I often end up with not only a cleaner closet (or drawer) but also a refreshed perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stuff has a pull on us. It holds emotional power and the weight of unmade decisions.<\/strong> When I go through a space to declutter and organize, I essentially choose to make tons of delayed decisions all at once. It is invigorating and freeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I truly believe that we are all designed by God to bring order from chaos. We have a Creator that shows off with beauty and organized design. It is what we are naturally drawn to. I want that in my home as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Everything should have its place.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is getting in the way of enjoying relaxing in your living room?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I develop cleaning routines and lists to manage the demands of my busy household and maintain a level of cleanliness that feels comfortable to me. My home is rarely completely clean all at once; instead, I tackle tasks throughout the week to ensure that everything is “mostly clean.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I follow a rhythm of housework so that all the tasks get done about once a week or every two weeks. I want my home to be a place where my family and guests feel welcomed, safe, and appreciated. The household tasks that I do communicate that love and care for my people. So I choose to sweep floors, clean toilets, and remember to scrub the kitchen sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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If you turned on some music and speed cleaned for the next 15 minutes what would you clean? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is bothering you right now? Start there!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nComfort \/ Hygge<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hygge<\/a> is defined as a cozy feeling that creates calm and closeness with those around you. It is textures that are warm and inviting. A hot drink on a cold day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips to Create Cozy Spaces:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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- Light a candle that smells like Christmas time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have soft blankets tossed onto the couches and ready to curl up with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Play music that reminds you of Christmas from your childhood or from your favorite artist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enjoy foods that take a long time to cook and make the kitchen smell good.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Change your morning routine to add some cozy slowness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use the fireplace and enjoy the crackling of the wood burning (or the digital one on Netflix).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Browse cookbooks and find some new recipes to try this week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Put on a sweater and enjoy sitting on the front porch at sunset. Talk about the day.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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What is comfortable and cozy to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What textures make you feel at home and welcome in a space?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nYour Rhythms and Routines<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To truly understand our families, we must observe their needs and plan for a cozy environment that nurtures them. This effort is worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While tracking daily rhythms and making changes can be challenging, our rituals and routines significantly impact our long-term goals. These small daily decisions shape our lives, whether we are intentional about them or not. They ultimately influence our family dynamics and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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What is an intentional action you can take to make your space more enjoyable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are there any bad habits that need to change to enjoy this space?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.embracinghome.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/image-1.jpeg\" "\\"a")
<\/a>Photo by Jovan Vasiljevi\u0107<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDo we need to have everything perfect and Pinterest-worthy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No \u2013 definitely not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We can create a remarkable shift in our home’s atmosphere. Everyone becomes more relaxed, and we relish our time together, celebrating joyfully. This is what I aim for in this season, and I wish the same for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No matter your style, I believe that you can make your space more comfortable for your unique family. And when you do, send me a photo. I would love to see it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfe1Happy Homemaking! \u2013 April<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\ncheck out this episode on homemaking<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cover Photo by Annie Spratt<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Keeping a home organized, clean, and cozy actually takes a lot of work. (Especially during the holidays.) Here are some tips to help you create a comfortable space for life to unfold. Homes are not naturally comfortable and relaxed. The nature of a busy home with kids is chaotic, messy, disorganized, and grimy. The activities… <\/p>\n
- Keeping things Clean<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n