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The week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of my favorite times for a deep clean. Some might call it overkill, but for me, it’s more than just tidying up—it’s a reset. As someone with OCD, keeping things neat and organized isn’t optional, and this post-holiday cleaning session is how I prepare for a fresh, new year.
Why Clean Between Christmas and New Year’s Day?
This time of year is perfect for cleaning because it bridges two seasons: the festive chaos of Christmas and the hopeful start of the New Year. Here’s why I swear by it:
- Starting Fresh: Cleaning before the new year feels like a reset button. A tidy, organized space clears your mind and sets the tone for a productive year.
- Letting Go of the Old: I’m superstitious, and deep cleaning feels like a symbolic way to sweep out any lingering negativity from the year. It’s cleansing, both physically and emotionally.
- Welcoming Blessings: I include my front porch and patio in my cleaning ritual. Sweeping doorways feels like inviting good energy into my home.
My Cleaning Ritual
While I don’t go overboard with my daily cleaning routine, my deep-cleaning process is a little more thorough. It’s not just about scrubbing floors; it’s about renewal and intention.
For instance, I take down some Christmas decorations after the holiday but leave my tree up until January 6th, also known as Epiphany. Epiphany, marking the visit of the Magi, is a day of reflection and renewal. I clean around the tree to keep the space festive while still moving forward.
I also like to light prayer candles and say a quiet prayer for blessings in the year ahead. It adds a spiritual layer to the act of cleaning, making it feel meaningful rather than just another chore.
A Few Deep-Cleaning Highlights
Here are some of the less routine things I tackle during this clean-up:
- Bathroom and Office Trash Cans: I fill them with a mix of bleach, Dawn soap, and boiling water to sanitize thoroughly.
- Curtains and Fabrics: Washing and air-drying curtains makes the house smell amazing. Seasonal shower curtains and tablecloths get swapped out, too.
- Throw Rugs: These are washed or shampooed, then left to air dry in the sun.
- Under and Behind Furniture: I move shelves, couches, and small furniture to vacuum, sweep, and mop the hidden spaces.
- Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: All fans and light fixtures get dusted and then wiped down.
It’s not just about cleanliness—it’s about starting the year off feeling like everything is in its rightful place.
The Superstition Factor
One of my favorite parts of this ritual is sweeping my front porch and patio. It might sound odd, but I truly believe that a clean doorway welcomes good luck and blessings into my home. Paired with lighting prayer candles, it’s a calming way to set intentions for the year.
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The Emotional Reset
This year, I feel the need for a deep cleanse more than ever. The ups and downs of the past year have made me crave a fresh start. By dedicating a couple of days to cleaning every nook and cranny, I feel like I’m not just cleaning my home—I’m cleaning my mind and heart.
A New Year, A New Mindset
Whether you’re superstitious or not, a clean home has undeniable benefits. It’s like stepping into the new year with a blank slate. And if you’re not ready to pack away all the Christmas cheer, you can still hold onto your favorite traditions (like keeping the tree up until Epiphany).
So grab your favorite cleaning supplies, light a candle, and start fresh. Your future self will thank you for it. 🌟
Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.
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