Taking the focus away from cooking for the holidays, the other big time consumer is cleaning. Depending on your situation, whether you still have kids around, or it’s just you, and/or your significant other, we still like to have our domain presentable.

I plan and then prioritize my cleaning. The focus is always put on the rooms where my guests  will be spending the most time. This makes my efforts more efficient, and not wasteful on spaces they will never see. I have always tried to keep a home where things are not strewn everywhere. That in itself makes the job a bit easier.

My guests will be congregating mostly on the first floor, which includes kitchen, living room, dining room and family room. Plus there is a half bath in the hallway. I tend to tackle the room where I will spend the most energy, the kitchen, first. Counter tops, stove, microwave, ceiling fan and floor, usually in that order. Next is the half bathroom. The only room I do upstairs is the other main bathroom in the hall, since it could get a workout.

Lastly, is vacuuming and dusting  in the remaining rooms. I go over the foyer and hallway wood floors with a swiffer, and just do a quick vacuum of the stairs going to the second floor. Not on the agenda is worrying about any other areas of the house. My husband helps where he can, but he is usually working the day before the holiday. This year I have off from work, so I will get an early start to the day.

I for one have never considered myself a Suzy Homemaker. Many women out there thrive on it, and I respect that. Hopefully, there will be no dust bunnies or grease marks visible. Our home will be inviting and smell as if we have a great meal waiting to be served!