Even though there is typically less inventory to pick from during the winter, you can be more selective in your choices and benefit from less buyer competition. Wintertime sellers tend to be more motivated to sell in anticipation of longer market time, thus paving the way for you to negotiate a better deal.

You can usually close faster on a home purchase made during the winter. Mortgage brokers and title companies tend to be less busy, allowing them to process loans and closing documents more efficiently. Getting into a new home prior to the end of the year also gives you the opportunity to take advantage of mortgage interest, points, and property tax deductions.

Even if moving during inclement weather is less desirable, it will be easier to hire movers during the winter months. Since moving companies are not as busy during this time of year, you may even be able to negotiate a lower moving cost.

Please give me a call so I can help you navigate all the benefits of buying a home during the winter months.

Consider which traditions you actually enjoy and which ones you don’t. If you know you’re no good at preparing a turkey or holiday decorating is not your forte, don’t feel you have to force yourself to do it just because it’s what you’re used to. Drop the tradition and replace it with something you and the family will love.

Customize your holiday dinner. There’s always something on the plate certain family members can’t stand, whether it’s Susan who hates stuffing or anti-parsnip Peter. Instead, why not ask each member of the family to choose a food to add to the menu instead and not limit it to “holiday foods”? You may end up creating a masterpiece.

Substitute gifts for new experiences. Sometimes you find the perfect gifts that’ll blow your loved ones’ minds. Other times, you can find yourself totally stuck for ideas, especially if you have family members who don’t want for much. If that’s the case, think about instead taking them to try something new and exciting, whether it’s a night at the theater, a ride on a steam train, or a day of go-karting.

Around edges, small bubbles will appear. Mixture may begin to steam.

Turn heat to low and stir in chocolate until melted completely.

Divide among four mugs. Top each with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick.

Serve.

Note: Milk chocolate may be used instead of dark chocolate.

Rearrange the furniture. A new layout can transform your room’s ambiance and make it feel more spacious. Shift that sofa away from the wall and give your room a more thoughtfully arranged appearance.

Alter your artworks. Swap pieces around, create a gallery wall, or even consider making some new art of your own. You might be surprised at just how much changing the art can revamp your surroundings effortlessly.

Don’t be afraid to repurpose your furniture. Get creative with function—for example, using a kitchen stool as a nightstand or a cupboard as a bookcase. You’ll be surprised at how much it changes the feel of the room.

Consider moving your TV or rearranging your dining table. The spaces in which we undertake different routines or activities have a huge bearing on how we perceive the space. Create different room dynamics by shifting around some items.

Relight the room. Lighting can make a significant difference, so don’t overlook it. Switch table and floor lamps to achieve varying levels of brightness and freshen up the ambiance.

Create partitions. In a studio apartment or a larger space, creating distinct zones can divide areas that don’t blend seamlessly. Use curtains, bookshelves, or furniture to separate spaces as needed.

Do some DIY. Use materials already at your disposal to create some new pieces for your home. A clipboard wall, for example, can be a practical and visually appealing addition to your home.

If you’re selling your home and want to make it look more appealing to buyers, call or email me for some free and low-cost ideas.

Don’t commit to things you don’t want to do. Ask yourself if you will actually enjoy or benefit from partaking in something or whether you’re only doing it because it’s “tradition.”

Cut down on the decorations. It’s easy to go overboard with decorating for the season, meaning you end up with a house that feels more cluttered than festive and encumber yourself with a huge time commitment in getting them up and taking them down. Only put up the things you really love to have out.

Don’t spend money just because you feel like you have to. During the festive season, advertisers do their best to make us feel like we’re missing out by not purchasing their festive items or latest gadgets. Don’t spend on things you don’t need just because it’s that time of year.

Refrain from comparing your festivities with anyone else’s. The grass is always greener on the other side. Don’t laden yourself with unnecessary stress or FOMO by trying to convince yourself other people are having a better time than you.

Don’t feel obliged to send holiday cards. You’ll save time, money, and the environment. You can find much more meaning in having a simple phone call or video chat with your loved ones rather than a generic greeting on paper