How much does it cost to get your house ready for Santa?

Personal finance blogger Paula Pant says that while the "Santa Is Coming" Cost Index tally sounds high, one item — roof repair — "is the gift that keeps on giving." Roof repair accounts for more than 27% of our index.

"Repairing your roof is a need, rather than a want, since it will protect your home from leaks, mold, and infestations. I'd prioritize spending your holiday money on that," Pant says.

If Santa, his sleigh, and his eight reindeer are landing on your roof, you don't want them crashing through it. Therefore, it's smart to consider the cost of fixing your roof before Santa comes to town. 

Sure, Santa is used to getting soot on his suit from squeezing into chimneys around the world, but if you hope to be in Santa's good graces, you probably should ponder the price of a chimney sweep before he arrives.

Today's chimney sweeps are a far cry from the soot-covered figures you might remember from Mary Poppins. Modern chimney cleaning is more high-tech and efficient, utilizing advanced tools and vacuum systems to minimize mess. 

Even Santa needs a break from his busy night of gift-giving, and what better way to delight him than with a refreshing glass of milk? Sticking to tradition, you'll want to set out a glass of milk so that Santa can keep up his energy. It is a thoughtful gesture at a low cost. 

No Christmas Eve is complete without setting out chocolate chip cookies for Santa. Whether they're homemade or your favorite store-bought variety, having these sweet treats ready adds a special touch to his visit. Make sure to have a generous plateful — enough to delight Santa and share the festive joy with your family. 

While preparing for Santa's arrival, let's not forget about his faithful reindeer team. Picking up a 1-pound bag of carrots can help ensure Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and, of course, Rudolph (Santa's ninth reindeer), stay energized with this nutritious snack. 

Here's a tip: Consider starting a vegetable garden for home-grown carrots for next year's holidays.

The magic of Christmas often begins with that first enchanting view of a home adorned with twinkling lights. Moreover, you don't get a second chance to make a first impression, so you'll want to be sure the outside of your house is gleaming with Christmas lights. 

A real, live Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday cheer in many homes. Its fresh pine scent and natural beauty bring the essence of a winter wonderland indoors. It is also the perfect spot for Santa to leave his gifts, so don't forget about this timeless tradition. LawnStarter's Holiday Decor Survey finds most people under 55 prefer a real tree over an artificial one. 

Preparing your home for Santa's visit includes hanging Christmas stockings for each family member.  Whether handmade or purchased, each stocking will await Santa's arrival, ready to be filled with surprises. 

Consider the cost of a mouse exterminator to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for Santa's visit. A mouse-free home ensures that your holiday treats and gifts remain undisturbed, keeping your festive night magical and merry. 

While Santa's sleigh is set to land on the roof, he'll surely have a bird's-eye view of your lawn. To make sure your home looks its holiday best, consider the cost of leaf removal. A clean, leaf-free lawn adds to the overall festive appeal, ensuring that your home doesn't look ho-ho-hum from Santa's vantage point. 

Ponder the cost of a final lawn mow before the holiday season sets in. This ensures that your yard presents a tidy and well-kept appearance, enhancing the holiday lights and decorations. A freshly mowed lawn also shows Santa that every detail has been taken care of in anticipation of his magical visit. 

In the run-up to Santa's arrival, a thorough yard cleanup is essential, especially in regions where the fall season leaves its mark. Investing in a yard cleanup service or dedicating a weekend to tidying up can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming scene for the festive season. 

As you deck the halls and mow the lawn, don't forget about the gutter cleaning costs. This task ensures that your house looks well-maintained from Santa's rooftop perspective. Clean gutters keep pests from making their home in them and prevent potential water damage, keeping your abode in top shape for the holiday season.
 

FAQ about preparing for Christmas

How do I make my house look like Santa came by?

Making your home look like Santa Claus has paid a visit is a delightful way to keep the magic of Christmas alive, especially for the little ones. Here are some tips to create a scene that suggests Santa really did stop by:

1. Leave a trail of cookie crumbs leading away from the plate.
2. Sip a bit from the glass of milk left for Santa, leaving it half-full.
3. Scatter small items like buttons (preferably red or green) or jingle bells around the house.
4. Create snowy footprints leading from the chimney or door to the Christmas tree.
5. Take small bites out of the cookies and the carrots left for the reindeer.
6. Leave a handwritten note from Santa.

What are the best greens for Christmas?

Selecting the right green for Christmas can make all the difference in creating a festive atmosphere. Here are some of the best greens to consider for your holiday decorations:

• Holly
• Juniper
• Rhododendron
• Eucalyptus
• Mountain laurel
• Cedar
• Pine
• Boxwood
• And no Christmas is complete without, of course, the mistletoe

Which real Christmas tree is best?

Choosing the best real Christmas tree often comes down to personal taste and specific requirements, as different types of trees offer varying characteristics. Some trees have strong scents, others are known for their needle retention, and sizes can vary greatly. Here are a few popular types to consider:

• Grand fir
• Balsam fir
• Douglas fir
• Noble fir
• Scots pine
• Blue spruce
• Black hills spruce

This story was produced by LawnStarter and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.