Home for the Holidays: Simple Ways to Prepare for Kids Coming Home on Break

Home for the Holidays: Simple Ways to Prepare for Kids Coming Home on Break

There’s nothing sweeter than the moment kids step back through the front door for winter break. Whether they’re coming home from college, a semester away, or just returning to slower holiday schedules, the house feels instantly fuller — in the best way.

And with just a little thoughtful preparation, you can make their homecoming feel warm, welcoming, and full of comfort.

Here are a few simple ways to prepare your home for the happy chaos of the holiday break.

Start With a Warm Welcome at the Front Door

Before anyone even steps inside, set the tone with a cozy, festive entryway. The easiest place to begin? A classic Door Bow.

A Holiday Bow or timeless Gingham Bow adds instant cheer to your porch — a signal that home is ready, waiting, and filled with love. Kids notice these little touches, especially when they’ve been away. If you want an extra special Christmas Bow, check out our Christmas Plaid Bow.

Check out "Holiday Magic Starts at the Front Door: Simple Ways to Elevate Your Winter Entryway"

Layer it with a winter doormat, lantern glow, or simple greenery to create a welcome they’ll feel before the door even opens.

Refresh the Spaces They’ll Land In

When kids come home, they gravitate toward familiar spaces — the kitchen, the couch, the dining table, their old bedrooms. A few thoughtful resets go a long way:

The Kitchen

Add small touches that feel like “home”:

• Add a bowl of their favorite fruit or candy on the countertop, maybe use your Oak Cutting Board as a nice place to display food and snacks
• Refresh the kitchen linen drawer with a clean stack of Napkins
• Maybe put down a Scalloped Tray full of your kid's favorite chips

Check out "How to Elevate Your Holiday Kitchen Decor"

The Living Room

Create a cozy landing zone with blankets, soft pillows, and warm lighting. They’ll love sinking into comfort after a long semester.

Their Bedroom

Fresh sheets, a restocked nightstand, and a folded blanket at the foot of the bed make the room feel cared for — even if it hasn’t been used in months.

Prepare the Gathering Spaces

Kids home on break often means friends home, too. Keep communal spaces simple, festive, and ready for memories. A few ideas:

• Set out a Scalloped Wicker Basket filled with cozy throws
• Place a candle or a small seasonal arrangement on the coffee table
• Keep board games, snacks, and cups in a place easy to grab.

Nothing needs to be perfect — just approachable and warm.

Stock the Favorites (Because You Know They’re Coming)

The first thing most kids do when they get home? Check the fridge.
Take a few minutes to pick up their favorite snacks or drinks. It's a tiny gesture, but it makes them feel instantly grounded and cherished.

Make Space for Slower Moments

December is all about slowing down, reconnecting, and creating memories. Set the stage for those little moments:

• Keep a puzzle on the dining table
• Light a couple candles in the evenings
• Add a tray with mugs and cocoa packets
• Leave a note on their bed or door

Home is where they recharge from school — and you get to create the environment that makes that possible.

A House Filled With Heart

Preparing for kids to come home isn’t about perfection. It’s about making space for connection, comfort, and joy. A welcoming front door, a warm kitchen, and a few thoughtful touches are all it takes to make this break feel special.

And as always, the season’s charm often starts with one simple detail:
a bow on the door, letting everyone who walks in know they’re home.