When you’re out and about, it’s hard to forget the holiday season. From the snow to the songs on the radio to the decorations set up around town, it’s almost impossible to escape the fact that the year is drawing to a close. For some people, however, this might not be enough. If you really want to feel the holidays, your apartment has to look the part. Here are some things you can do to make your immediate surroundings share in the holiday joy.

Bring Out the Decorations

Nothing puts you in the holiday spirit quite like being surrounded by reminders of the joy of a good celebration. Whatever holidays you might be celebrating, the end of the year is always a good time to get festive. It doesn’t take much time, effort, or money to give your home a little holiday festivity. Whether you decide to stop by the arts and crafts store or you need to pull a few boxes of trinkets out of the back of your closet, you’ll be happy to be reminded that it’s indeed the most wonderful time of the year.

Get Ready for Colder Temperatures

With the joy of the holidays also comes something less pleasant about winter: the colder weather. No matter who’s at home, you’ll want your place to be as comfortable as possible, and that won’t be possible when everyone’s shivering and chattering their teeth. Besides turning on the heat, consider doing a walk-through of your apartment and finding any particularly drafty areas. While you probably won’t find any major culprits, you can make drafty windows a little less leaky by buying or making a draft stopper–a big, pillow-like piece of fabric–to lay at the seams and block that cold air from coming in. Also, you’ll want to have an extra sweater or two on hand!  

Stock Up on Holiday Food and Treats

More than any other time of the year, the holiday season is a time for celebrating – and with celebrations usually comes a lot of food. Even if you aren’t hosting a big dinner at your home, you may want to invite some friends and family over, so why not please them with some holiday-appropriate treats? Of course, you can’t go wrong with candy canes and other minty sweets, but baked goods decorated to reflect the season will really impress.

Make Way for Winter Wear

Keeping the home clean and tidy isn’t too difficult during the warmer months, but the holidays may pose an especially difficult challenge. Not only are you and your family going to have time off from work and school, but you’re also more likely to stay indoors as the temperatures drop. As every person needs a place to hang their hat, you, your family, and your guests will need a place to hang your coats. Otherwise, your outerwear is going to end up draped over sofas, chairs, and tables, which are specifically not meant to do that job. To keep the rest of your home in tip-top shape, designate one spot, such a coat hanger or coat pile on a chair in the corner, for everyone to leave their winter wear.