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Holiday Home Prep
Top Tips for a Spotless Space
This Season
With the holiday season just around the corner, many are getting ready to host family gatherings, Friendsgiving meals, and neighborhood get-togethers. But before you start planning menus, it’s a good idea to start with a clean and welcoming home that’s sure to impress your guests. Here are a few holiday prep tips to get your space holiday-ready, ensuring it’s comfortable, inviting, and clean.
Begin with the high-traffic areas of your home, like the entryway, kitchen, and living room. These spots are where people will naturally gather and spend the most time. Decluttering is an easy and effective way to make these areas look more organized. Clear away non-seasonal items from shelves and tables, giving your space a cleaner look while making room for festive decorations. Adding a few simple yet seasonal touches, such as a fall wreath, pumpkins, or a centerpiece on the dining table, can really enhance the holiday feel.
When it comes to cleaning, focus on surfaces and floors first. Dust and wipe down countertops, coffee tables, and shelves, especially in rooms where guests will gather. Vacuuming and mopping high-traffic areas will give the entire space a refreshed look and feel. Adding a gentle, seasonal scent, like cinnamon or pumpkin spice, either through an essential oil diffuser or candles, can bring warmth and coziness into the air. Plus, clean, soft lighting is an excellent way to highlight your space and make it feel inviting.
The kitchen is a high-priority space as it’s often where people gather, so organize and clean it ahead of time. Declutter your countertops to make cooking and entertaining easier, and consider placing a few seasonal items like small pumpkins or a festive towel on display. Clear out any old food from the fridge to make space for holiday dishes, and give all appliances a quick wipedown to ensure everything shines.
Finally, take a moment to focus on guest rooms or other spaces where visitors may spend time. Make sure the beds are made with fresh linens, and leave out a few simple items, such as extra blankets, a small bouquet of fall flowers, or even a holiday-scented candle to make them feel right at home. A few finishing touches, such as a bowl of candy or a fall centerpiece, go a long way toward creating a festive and welcoming environment. These small steps, done in advance, will make the days leading up to your holiday gatherings less stressful and more enjoyable. A little preparation goes a long way in making your home feel like the perfect setting for memorable gatherings.
Lighting Up the Season with CTX Mowing & Landscape’s Holiday Lighting
For CTX Mowing & Landscape, the holiday season is more than just a time for trimming lawns and planting landscapes; it’s a chance to bring a touch of magic to homes and businesses across Williamson County. Founded in 2018 by Benjamin Christlieb, CTX has quickly become known not only for its year-round landscaping services but also for its joyful seasonal offering—customized Christmas light installations. This festive service has made CTX a local favorite, helping customers celebrate the holidays with a bit of sparkle.
Benjamin, who started CTX as a part-time business to support his family, expanded the company after COVID-19, transforming it from a modest mowing service to a one-stop shop that includes lawn treatments, irrigation, concrete, fencing, and most uniquely, holiday lights. “I love this time of year because of the joy it brings our customers when we light up their homes,” Benjamin shares. His commitment to quality and affordable services is reflected in every twinkling light CTX installs, making it a highlight of their offerings.
Holiday Cheer, One Light at a Time
Each year, CTX Mowing & Landscape takes pride in creating custom Christmas light displays that capture the holiday spirit. From classic roofline designs to elaborate yard displays, CTX’s team works closely with clients to design installations that reflect their holiday vision. Using high-quality, weatherresistant lights, they transform homes into festive showcases while ensuring a stress-free experience for customers. CTX handles everything from the installation to maintenance throughout the season, even offering takedown and storage services, so clients can enjoy the holiday magic without the hassle.
The holiday light service has become one of CTX’s signature offerings, allowing the company to engage with the community in a unique way. Benjamin’s love for the season shines through, as he and his team bring warmth and brightness to the homes they decorate. “The happiness it brings people is what makes it so rewarding for us,” he says. “Seeing a family’s reaction to their lit-up home is a reminder of why we do what we do.”
A Year-Round One-Stop Shop
Although holiday lights are a seasonal specialty, CTX Mowing & Landscape is a full-service company all year long. They offer residential customers comprehensive outdoor services, including lawn care, landscaping, lawn treatments, irrigation, concrete work, and fencing. By combining all of these services, CTX allows customers to consolidate their outdoor needs with a single, trusted provider. “We want to be more than just a lawn mowing company,” Benjamin explains. “We’re here to help with every part of the outdoor space, from landscaping to hardscaping and everything in between.”
CTX’s mission is built on providing affordable, quality work, which has helped it stand out from competitors. This approach, paired with a dedicated team and an emphasis on reliable communication, has cemented CTX’s reputation as a company clients can count on—whether it’s for lawn care or lighting up their homes for the holidays.
Cultivating a Company Culture of Trust and Respect
The values behind CTX’s success go beyond the services they offer. Benjamin’s dedication to his team is apparent in the supportive culture he has fostered. Built on mutual respect and trust, CTX functions like a small family, where each crew member feels empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This sense of camaraderie, nurtured through company events and a focus on positive workplace relationships, creates a productive environment that makes employees proud to be part of CTX.
These values are also evident in how the team interacts with clients. CTX has developed an online system for scheduling, communication, and payments, making it easy for customers to stay informed. “Our clients appreciate the consistency and communication we provide,” Benjamin says. “It’s important to us that they know when we’ll be there and what to expect.”
Committed to Community and Giving Back
In addition to holiday lights and outdoor services, CTX Mowing & Landscape has established a legacy of community involvement. Through the CTX Mowing Foundation, Benjamin supports local youth sports leagues by maintaining fields for Liberty Hill Youth Softball and Jarrell Youth Football, ensuring the next generation has safe, well-kept places to play. The foundation also assists local residents struggling with property maintenance, stepping in to help those facing HOA or city compliance issues.
Membership in local chambers of commerce, like those in Jarrell and Liberty Hill, underscores CTX’s commitment to its community. “Giving back is an important part of what we do,” says Benjamin. “We’re grateful for the support our community has given us, and this is one way we can show our appreciation.”
Planning for Growth and a Brighter Future
As CTX continues to expand, Benjamin has big goals for the future, including pursuing larger commercial accounts and strengthening their year-round presence. While the holiday season remains a highlight, the company’s growth plan includes offering consistent work and broadening their service reach, making CTX a trusted choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Reflecting on his journey, Benjamin finds joy in the relationships he’s built with both employees and customers. Running CTX has given him the stability he sought after the uncertainty of losing his previous job, and he is grateful to be able to provide that same stability for his team. “The early years were the toughest, but they taught me what I needed to succeed. Now I can offer others a place where they can grow and feel valued,” he says.
Benjamin’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to persevere through those early challenges. “If you can make it through the first few years, you’ll have the experience to handle anything. It’s worth it when you see the impact you’re making.”
For CTX Mowing & Landscape, the holiday season is an opportunity to bring light and joy to the community, just as much as it is a chance to showcase their unique blend of services. With each festive installation, CTX lights up homes—and hearts—across Williamson County, one bulb at a time.
CTX is ready to help you, contact them for a free quote at (402) 937-3803.
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