This list was actually a brainstorm at a weekly shiur I give. So credit is also due to the ladies from the Zichron Shloime shiur in Toms River!
1. Do something every day of the week towards Shabbos prep.
2. Find an inspirational idea on the parsha / any Torah idea and prepare it to share it at the Shabbos table.
3. Plan to bring Shabbos in 10 minutes early (or more!)
4. Create your own Shabbos “siren” that you play every week before shkiah. (Can be the sound of actual siren or a Shabbos song etc.)
5. Sing Kabbalas Shabbos songs with whoever is home with you before men return from shul.
6. When possible go to shul on Friday night.
7. Wear a sheitel / special makeup (even when there’s no guests!).
8. Set table by Thursday night.
9. Get some new items/beautiful flowers etc to enhance your tablescape
10. Get some new toys/books for the kids/grandkids.
11. Buy yourself a special new book you read on Shabbos.
12. Focus on only reading divreii kedusha/ inspirational uplifting stories as opposed to the news and divrei chol which just bring us down.
13. Take on additional Tehillim / join a Tehillim group / Shabbos shiur in the neighborhood.
14. Wash mayim.achronim…yes you too ladies!
15. Wash on bread for seudah shelishis..sing shaleshides songs if possible!
16. Extend when you take out Shabbos. Don’t be in a hurry to look at your phone. Keep the special feeling longer.
17. Say the beautiful prayer of the Berditciver Rebbe Gott Fun Avraham and light meleve malka candles. Wash for melave malka.
A half hour before shabbos we turn on a special shabbos playlist, it brings a special feeling when going to light the shabbos lecht! A special shabbosdige kedusha!
This is such a beautiful post!! Thank you!!!
May I just add…. wear makeup and wig ESPECIALLY when there are no guests – not even when there are no guests. If your husband is home he is exactly who you should be wearing makeup for.
I bought special toys and books that only come out Erev Shabbos once everyone is showered and dressed and the house all ready for shabbos. We keep them out until Motzei shabbos, when they get packed away til the next week!
I keep adding toys/books to the rotation that it stays fresh and exciting.
No laundry on Friday. Only towel load after cleaning last. Think there’s even a source.
yes, its one of ezras takanos if I remember correctly
On summer Fridays I usually end up doing laundry but now that winter is coming- you’re right, Beh ill try not to.
Thanks for the reminder!