From A Woman's Perspective: December 20 2025 "A Gentle Holiday Message..."

A Gentle Holiday Message for Anyone Considering a Downsize in the New Year
 

I cannot believe that the holidays are upon us! They seem to come earlier every year. This tends to be a time of reflection for a lot of people, myself included. Nothing stirs the emotions quite like the holidays. 

For many of us, it’s a season of joy, connection, and fond traditions. But it can also be a mixed bag: a bit of stress, a touch of loneliness, or pressure to create that “perfect” Hallmark-style celebration that real life doesn’t always deliver.

And if you’re a homeowner who’s been thinking about a move in the coming year, maybe even preparing to downsize, those emotions are certain to be more complicated than ever.

I talk with a lot of seniors who tell me, “This might be the last holiday in the home where my kids grew up….” If that’s you, I want you to hear this clearly: It’s completely okay to feel bittersweet. It’s okay for this holiday to feel joyful one moment and sad the next. Homes hold stories, laughter, traditions, and the fingerprints of a lifetime. Of course there’s emotion wrapped up in imagining a change.

What I also hear, often in the very same conversation, is a quiet sense of relief. A hopefulness. A spark of excitement about lighter responsibilities, fewer stairs, less maintenance, and more time to enjoy life instead of managing a house. And that mix of emotions? That’s normal too.

I say this with complete understanding because I’ve downsized twice myself—once for sad reasons, and once for joyous ones. And both times were far more complex than I expected. I felt gratitude and grief all tangled together. I felt the tug of nostalgia mixed with the curiosity of “What comes next?” Downsizing isn’t just a real estate transaction; it’s a real life transition. And like all meaningful chapters, it comes with layers.

The holidays tend to magnify everything we feel. But they also remind us that change, in all its forms, often brings renewal. A simpler, more manageable home can open up space for peace of mind and for new traditions you haven’t yet created. It’s even likely to free up money to be able to travel to far-flung loved ones, and time to pursue more meaningful activities than managing an oversized home. 

If you’re beginning to wonder how to prepare, I’m here to guide you with compassion and clarity. As a downsizing specialist, I have mapped out the path for dozens of seniors to get from Home A to Home B with the least amount of work and stress possible. 

It all starts with a Downsizing Consultation.  This is a gentle, no-pressure conversation where we talk through what a move might look like for you, whether months or even years down the road. We’ll discuss what your individual, custom roadmap might look like, so that when the time is right, you’re prepared, confident, and supported. We can meet by phone, on Zoom, or in person, whatever feels most comfortable. 

As this holiday season wraps around you—whether your home is full of people or quiet this year—I hope you feel surrounded by warmth, by memory, and by the knowledge that new beginnings can be beautiful.

Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to help you take that next step with care. You can call me, Sharon, at 416-460-5636 or contact me through my website smartrealtysolution.com. While you’re there be sure to check out the free downloadable resources created with downsizing seniors in mind. 

That’s it for me, Marilyn. My name is Sharon Parenteau and these have been your SMART Realty Solutions for today. Happy Holidays!!

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