Why this matters (and why it’s totally doable)
Holidays bring big smiles—and big schedules. The good news: a little prep now means smooth, five-star stays later. Think deep clean, smart stocking, simple décor, and clear communication. Let’s make it easy.
1) Deep clean & seasonal tune-ups
Goal: Start the season fresh and problem-free.
- Pull out furniture and clean what’s hiding. Quick wins: vents, fans, baseboards, windows, grout.
- Swap HVAC filters, vacuum fridge coils, run a washer clean cycle.
- Book service visits (HVAC, plumber, handyman) and stagger them so nothing piles up.
- Rotate in winter bedding (flannel or thicker duvets feel luxe). Keep 3 full sets per bed so turns are painless.
- Seal little gaps, refresh weatherstripping, and air the place out—fresh beats “holiday candle overload.”

2) Stock like a pro (and relax later)
Goal: No late-night “we’re out of TP” messages.
- Bulk up on: TP, paper towels, trash bags, dish pods, laundry pods, soap/shampoo/conditioner, coffee/tea/sugar/oil.
- Make an owner’s closet with labeled bins (Toiletries, Cleaning, Coffee Bar, Light Bulbs, Batteries). Lock it, but make it easy for cleaners to grab what they need.
- Kitchen math: place settings for 1.5–2× your max guest count, plus a roasting pan, sheet pans, casserole dish, mixing bowls, measuring set.
- Nice extras guests love: slow cooker, blender, rice cooker, hand mixer, kids’ dinnerware.
- Bonus: keep a backup coffee maker tucked away. (Saves the day more often than you’d think.)

3) Décor that feels festive—not fussy
Goal: Cozy, inclusive, and totally Instagram-friendly.
- Think “winter glow,” not “mall display.” A wreath, a little garland, a bowl of ornaments or pinecones, soft throws.
- Warm lighting is magic: table lamps, twinkle lights, flameless candles.
- Light scents only (pine, vanilla, cinnamon). Easy to turn off if someone’s sensitive.
- Sweet welcome: a couple of hot cocoa packets + local cookies + a short note. Small, memorable, done.

4) Turnovers without the scramble
Goal: Fast, consistent, and calm—especially on back-to-backs.
- Add a helper for peak days. Share your calendar early so no one’s surprised.
- Triple-set linens and towels so laundry never holds you hostage.
- Pack cleaning caddies (one per turnover) so cleaners don’t hunt for supplies.
- Use a simple checklist and quick photo snaps (beds, kitchen, thermostat). It keeps standards high without micromanaging.
- Auto-assign cleans with your ops tool and let reminders do the nagging.

5) Be long-stay friendly
Goal: Week-plus bookings that feel easy for everyone.
- Leave a week’s worth of consumables (adjust for group size).
- Extra sheets in closets, at least one spare towel per person.
- Offer a mid-stay clean or linen swap for longer bookings (complimentary or paid—your call).
- Open closet space, plenty of hangers, a little pantry room. It helps guests “move in,” not just camp.

6) Guest messages that save the day
Goal: Fewer questions, happier guests.
- Schedule messages:
- 7 days out: directions, parking, house guide, any holiday quirks (store hours, trash day changes).
- Arrival morning: codes, Wi-Fi, “we’re here if you need anything.”
- Day 2: quick check-in—“All good?”
- Day before checkout: simple exit steps.
- Share “winter house rules” gently: quiet hours, max occupancy, parking notes, no parties.
- Expect delays? Smart lock + photo steps = stress-free 2am arrivals.

7) Safety first (so everyone can relax)
Goal: Festive, not risky.
- Test smoke/CO alarms; confirm extinguishers are in date and easy to spot.
- Service fireplaces/wood stoves; leave friendly, clear instructions.
- Use LED candles, check light strands, don’t overload outlets, and keep décor away from heat and exits.
- Re-state no parties and disclose any noise sensors (privacy-safe). Simple and fair.

8) Helpful tech that runs in the background
Goal: Less juggling, more hosting.
- Smart locks with unique, expiring codes.
- Noise sensors for early heads-up (no audio recorded).
- Smart thermostat: cozy before arrival, energy-save after checkout.
- Auto-messages, cleaner scheduling, task reminders—set it once and breathe.

9) Your holiday A-team
Goal: Everyone knows the plan (and feels appreciated).
- Quick pre-season huddle: peak dates, who to call, backups if someone’s out.
- Confirm holiday coverage (HVAC, plumber, locksmith). Print an “Emergency Contacts” sheet for the utility closet.
- Say thanks—holiday bonus, gift card, or just a thoughtful note. It matters.

10) Pricing & calendar that work for you
Goal: Great margins without burnout.
- Raise rates for high-demand dates; keep an eye on comps.
- Set holiday minimum stays (e.g., 3–5 nights) to cut down on too many turns.
- Easy upsells: early check-in, late checkout, mid-stay clean, pool/hot tub heat, even a pre-decorated tree if you can swing it.
- Offer week-long discounts to land longer, calmer bookings.

11) The quick post-holiday reset
Goal: Back to “like new” fast.
- “Deep-clean lite” walk-through: linens, cookware, electronics, scuffs, stains. Fix little things now.
- Restock everything that ran low.
- Tuck away seasonal décor neatly for next year.
- Note what worked (and what didn’t). Tiny tweaks now = easier holidays next time.

Tiny checklists you can copy
Turnover (Holiday Edition)
- Fresh linens on beds; extras stowed
- Restock essentials (TP, towels, pods, toiletries)
- Photos: kitchen, baths, beds, thermostat set
- Welcome goodies placed; entry lamp/timer set
Pre-Arrival
- Send guide + parking + codes
- Confirm ETA; smart lock ready
- Thermostat pre-heat/pre-cool
- Exterior path lit
Safety Sweep
- Test alarms; extinguisher visible
- Check cords/lights; no overloads
- Décor clear of exits/heat
Holiday hosting isn’t just about surviving—it’s about shining when it matters most. A few weeks of smart prep now will save you from the frantic calls, last-minute errands, and “where’s the extra blanket?” chaos that can steal your joy in December.
Deep cleaning and maintenance protect your home and peace of mind. Stocking generously keeps guests happy and reviews glowing. Cozy, inclusive décor creates that “wow” moment when they walk in. And when your team, tech, and communication all work together, you get the best gift of all: a stress-free season where things just… flow.
The truth is, guests notice when a host has thought of everything—from the soft lighting to the spare trash bags. Those small details are what make people feel cared for, and what make them want to come back next year. The holidays are when your property has the biggest chance to make memories for others—and to build lasting loyalty for you.
So start early, stay kind to yourself and your team, and let your preparation do the heavy lifting. Your STR will sparkle, your guests will relax, and you’ll head into the new year proud, rested, and ready for whatever comes next.


















































































































































































































