Preparing the Playroom for the Holidays

(Making Space for What’s New — and What Matters Most)

As the holidays approach, our homes start to hum with energy — twinkle lights, gift wrap, and that familiar mix of excitement and chaos that comes with little ones counting down the days. Every year, I find myself looking at the playroom with fresh eyes, knowing a new wave of toys, books, and art supplies is on its way.

Prepping the playroom isn’t just about finding storage — it’s about creating space for joy, imagination, and a bit of calm amid the holiday magic.

Here’s how I approach it each season:

1. Start with a Reset

Before anything new arrives, I take a quiet hour to edit. Outgrown toys, broken pieces, and long-forgotten art projects all get a thoughtful sort. Some items are donated, others tucked away for younger cousins or future playdates.

It’s amazing how a good reset changes the energy of the space — it gives kids a chance to re-discover what they already have and makes room (physically and mentally) for what’s next.

2. Rethink Storage (Before It’s Needed)

The best playrooms evolve. I like to use modular bins, woven baskets, and low shelves so kids can reach their own things and take ownership of cleanup.

If storage is overflowing now, it’s a sign to reassess before the gift wrap comes out. Think of it like rotating a wardrobe — keep seasonal favorites accessible, and store bulkier or less-used items in labeled bins.

And don’t forget a little space for you — a drawer or basket where grown-up items (chargers, remotes, notebooks) can live, so they don’t get lost in the mix.

3. Create “Zones” for Play

Designating small areas for different kinds of play gives even the most compact room a sense of purpose.

• A cozy reading corner with a soft rug and beanbag.

• A building zone for blocks or Magnatiles (ideally near a low table).

• A creative station for art, crafts, or puzzles — easy to clean up and reset.

When everything has a “home,” kids intuitively understand where to find things — and where to put them back.

4. Keep it Beautiful (and Realistic)

Playrooms can be both joyful and intentional. I love mixing natural materials — wood, rattan, linen — with pops of color from the toys themselves. Simple furniture with clean lines lets the play shine, and layered textures make the room feel connected to the rest of the home.

A small change, like swapping out mismatched bins for woven baskets, instantly brings calm.

5. Leave Room for Wonder

Finally — don’t over-design it. Kids thrive on flexibility. Leave open floor space for forts, dance parties, and big ideas. A bit of breathing room reminds us that play doesn’t always come from stuff — it comes from imagination.

This year, as I hang our stockings and wrap gifts, I’m reminded that the best part of the holidays isn’t the new things coming in — it’s the shared laughter, the messes that tell a story, and the cozy spaces where it all unfolds.

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