A Season for Fresh Perspective
As the days grow longer and the light shifts into something softer and warmer, this season nudges us to pause, reset, and breathe a little deeper. Nature is wide awake, and with it comes the opportunity to refresh not just our routines, but our environments, gently easing us into summer.
In many cultures, the beginning of May is marked by May Day, a celebration of joy, growth, and community. One sweet tradition, especially popular in the past, involved children crafting small cones or baskets of flowers and leaving them secretly on a neighbor’s doorstep—a simple act of kindness and beauty. It reminds us that fresh starts can be shared, and that even ordinary tasks can carry a sense of purpose, joy, and connection.
Our homes—where life unfolds day by day—can benefit from the same kind of refresh, as we clear out clutter, stale air, and overlooked corners to make space for peace, gratitude, and connection.
Refreshing our homes isn’t just about appearances—it’s about creating a setting where families can rest, grow, and feel restored. And with a little intention, even the simplest cleaning tasks can become opportunities to reconnect with each other and reset the rhythm of daily life.
A Scandinavian Tradition: Let the Air In
In Nordic countries like Sweden and Norway, this time of year is welcomed with a beautiful ritual: opening both the front and back doors of the home to let fresh air sweep through. It’s a symbolic way to clear out the past and make room for what’s next—a simple act that refreshes both the house and the spirit.
It’s a reminder to slow down, take a deep breath, and see the process of caring for our spaces not as a burden, but as a meaningful rhythm that reconnects us with the people and places we love most.
Cleaning Up Our Spaces
Though the phrase “deep clean” might carry a fair amount of dread, giving your home a refresh doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, spreading it out over several days or weeks can make it more enjoyable—especially for children. It allows time to reflect, work together, and share small victories as a family. It’s also a great way to wind down the school year and ease into the slower pace of summer.
Here are a few different approaches to keep things light, meaningful, and manageable:
Space Focus: One Room at a Time
Rather than tackling the whole house in one go, choose one room at a time. Start with your most lived-in spaces, or let the kids draw room names from a bowl to decide the order.
Once a room is chosen:
- Dust the walls and light fixtures
- Wipe baseboards, doors, and light switches
- Move furniture to clean behind it
- Declutter gently—encourage kids to choose items to donate or toss
Celebrate each room’s completion with a fun reward—a walk outside, a movie night, or a treat—and let that small progress build momentum.
Task Focus: One Type at a Time
Rather than by room, you can also clean by task type across the house. This helps break up the monotony and lets each family member take ownership of a role.
Try a rhythm like:
- Monday: Dusting
- Tuesday: Windows and mirrors
- Wednesday: Floors
- Thursday: Decluttering
- Friday: Washing bedding and fabric items
Setting a Positive Mood
Make It Fun
- Put on music and turn cleaning into a dance party
- Assign playful titles like “Captain Baseboard” or “Master of Mop”
- Use sticker charts or checklists to track progress
- Celebrate every milestone—big or small
Practice Gratitude in Every Room
Refreshing your space is about more than clean corners—it’s about honoring the role your home plays in your family’s life. As you move from one area to the next, pause to:
- Reflect on how the room is used and what memories were made there
- Be thankful for the safety, warmth, and comfort it offers
- Invite your kids to name what they love about each space
- Talk about how caring for our spaces is part of how we care for each other
A Season of Renewal
This season, may your home be filled with laughter, teamwork, and maybe a few surprise treasures under the couch. Whether you're wiping down walls or decluttering drawers, let each task be a small step toward clarity and calm.
As you ease into summer, may your doors swing open to let in fresh air—and may your perspective shift with it. After all, it's not just about what we clean out, but about what we choose to carry forward together.
