While the holidays are full of good cheer (and full houses!), it can be a little stressful for all those hosts and hostesses out there. For instance, I have a friend who welcomes her in-laws into her home for a few days every December and no matter how hard she tries, she just can’t completely relax. Now, that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love her in-laws, it simply means instead of getting lost in a magazine, she’s wondering if her guests are hungry. Or, instead of enjoying a decadent bubble bath, she’s trying to remember if she switched the guest towels.
From the decorations to the food to making sure everyone feels welcome, hosting friends and family is a lot of work! I hope, however, that all you Type-A hostesses take a minute to relax and enjoy the moment this holiday by keeping the following in mind:
Guests can take care of themselves. It’s true! Don’t feel bad if you pass up a movie or leave company alone to read a book. While you may feel the need to constantly entertain them, guests understand you have your own schedule to stick to. They probably even appreciate a bit of alone time in the midst of the holiday rush.
Get outside and get moving. My friend’s list of things to do around the house to ensure her guests are happy and cared for keeps her cooped up all day long. Get outside for some fresh air and to clear your head! Even better, try to coordinate with someone outside your home to swap holiday stories and memories.
Stock up before everyone arrives. Make sure you have all the necessary household essentials, such as dish soap and paper towel for the kitchen and shampoo/conditioner and toilet paper for the bathrooms. And, of course, laundry detergent for all those sheets, tablecloths, napkins, etc.! I have a friend who was slammed at home once and trying to squeeze in a load of laundry when she realized that she only had non-HE detergent for her new High Efficiency (HE) machine. Because she didn’t have time to run to the store, she went ahead and used it…a major laundry no-no! You must use HE detergent in an HE machine to ensure an optimal rinse for your clothes and to protect your washing machine from potential build-up in its gasket. But, don’t feel like you have to go overboard on the number of bottles you purchase – remember, more bubbles do not mean cleaner clothes so pay attention to the directions on the cap! An extra bottle should hold you over just fine.
And, finally, while you may plan ahead for weeks, remember that not everything has to be perfect. Here is where those Type-As need to listen up! Who cares if the weather prevented your plan of outdoor caroling and everyone is stuck inside. Or, if you ran out of coffee at breakfast. The hostess in all of us can fall victim to stressing out if not everything goes to plan, but it’s really the imperfect moments that make the memory. Plus, if you’re stressed I promise your guests notice. So, try and go with the flow just a little bit more this holiday.
What are your tips to stay stress-free when you’re hosting houseguests? I’d love to hear them!
I hope everyone has a very happy holiday – now, get off the computer and go have fun!
Cheers!
Kristen
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