The holidays are a time for joy, family, and celebration, but they also bring extra responsibilities. Between decorating, hosting, and keeping up with daily life, your home can start to feel more like a never-ending to-do list than a haven.
That's where smart home technology comes in. It can take care of the small tasks so you can focus on what matters most: time with loved ones.
There's a bonus, too. Smart home upgrades can add value and appeal to your home. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 77% of buyers are interested in smart homes, and smart technology can increase a home's resale value by up to 5%.[1]
So whether you're thinking about selling or just want to enjoy your home this season, here are the best smart home solutions to simplify the holidays, with a few extra tips for South Florida homes.
Note: Product picks were current as of December 2024. Models and prices change often, so check reviews before buying.
Entertaining Made Easy
1. Digital Recipe Help in the Kitchen
Skip the stained recipe cards. Smart displays walk you through recipes step by step, build grocery lists, and set multiple timers hands-free.
- High-end: Google Nest Hub Max, which offers step-by-step recipe guidance from Google Assistant
- Mid-range: LG 27" Smart TV with Countertop Design, for watching cooking shows or pulling up recipes in the kitchen
- Budget: Amazon Echo Show 8, which offers recipe help in a compact, affordable package
2. Set the Mood with Smart Lighting
Control color, brightness, and warmth from your phone or with your voice.
- High-end: Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box, which syncs your lights to what's on the TV for movie nights
- Mid-range: Lutron Caséta smart dimmers and bridge, which let you dim the whole house with one tap
- Budget: Govee smart bulbs, an easy entry point that works with Alexa and Google
3. Fill the House with Music
- High-end: Bose Smart Speaker 500, with room-filling sound and Alexa and Google built in
- Mid-range: Amazon Echo Studio, great sound for Alexa households
- Budget: Google Nest Mini, affordable voice-controlled music
Traditions with a Twist
1. Holiday Movie Nights
Turn any room, or your patio, into a home theater. In South Florida, December evenings are perfect for an outdoor movie night!
- High-end: Epson Home Cinema LS11000, a 4K laser projector with cinema-quality performance
- Mid-range: Samsung The Freestyle (2nd Gen), a portable projector that focuses and levels itself automatically
- Budget: Vankyo Performance V700W, a portable 1080p projector for indoor or outdoor use
2. Smart Plugs for Easy Decorating
No more crawling behind furniture to plug in the tree. Control decorations from your phone and set schedules.
- High-end: Meross Smart Power Strip, with individually controlled outlets plus USB ports
- Mid-range: Enbrighten Wi-Fi Smart 2-Outlet Plug
- Budget: Kasa Smart Plug Ultra Mini
3. Smart Outdoor Lighting
Light up the neighborhood, palm trees included, with app-controlled color and effects.
- High-end: Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights, installed once and enjoyed for every holiday year-round
- Mid-range: Twinkly Icicle Lights
- Budget: App-controlled smart string lights
South Florida tips:
- Choose lights rated for outdoor use to handle our rain and humidity, and use weatherproof outdoor outlets and covers.
- Check your HOA before installing permanent exterior lighting. Many communities require approval for exterior changes, and some have rules about holiday display timing.
Simplified Home Management
1. Robot Vacuums
Let a robot handle the cookie crumbs and wrapping-paper scraps.
- High-end: iRobot Roomba Combo j9+, which vacuums and mops with smart obstacle avoidance
- Mid-range: Roborock Q5 Max+, which is customizable and empties itself
- Budget: Shark ION Robot, simple and effective for everyday dirt and pet hair
2. Smart Video Doorbells
The holidays bring more visitors and more deliveries. Keep an eye on your door from anywhere.
- High-end: eufy Video Doorbell Dual, with a wide view that also watches for packages
- Mid-range: Google Nest Doorbell, with package detection and quick replies
- Budget: Arlo Video Doorbell, with a wide field of view. Some features require a subscription.
3. Protect Your Home While You Travel
Unfortunately, break-ins tend to rise during the holidays. These tools help protect your home whether you're home or away.
- High-end: Ring Alarm Pro, a full security system with optional professional monitoring
- Mid-range: abode Smart Security Kit, which works with all major smart home systems
- Budget: August Wi-Fi Smart Lock, which fits over your existing deadbolt and lets you give trusted guests access
South Florida Smart Home Must-Haves
These upgrades matter even more in our climate, all year long:
- Smart thermostat: If you travel for the holidays, don't turn the AC off completely. Florida humidity can lead to mold and mildew in a closed-up home. A smart thermostat lets you set a safe temperature and check on it from anywhere.
- Water leak sensors and automatic shutoff valves: Water damage is one of the most common and costly homeowner insurance claims. Some insurers offer discounts for leak-detection systems. See 6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums.
- Smart cameras and sensors give you peace of mind during hurricane season or long trips.
Enjoy a Smarter Holiday Season
Smart home technology can make the holidays more relaxing, and it can be a smart investment in your home's future value. From security to energy-efficient lighting, these upgrades make life easier today and can make your home more appealing to buyers tomorrow.
Curious which upgrades will add the most value to your home? As a renovation-savvy REALTOR®, I can help you focus on the improvements buyers in Miramar and Pembroke Pines actually want. Book a free consultation or find out what your home is worth.
Related reading:
- 7 Weekend Projects to Boost Your Property Value
- Stage to Sell: 7 Proven Steps to Attract Buyers and Boost Offers
Happy holidays from my family to yours!
This article is for informational purposes only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Product mentions are not paid endorsements.
Sources