tips for surviving hosting christmas

If the house chose for the gathering house happens to be yours. I’m sure you find yourself to be in a panic every year. I know I do. I always think I am ahead of the game then I stop and look around and realize I am so far behind. Every year, I tell myself that I am going to make an effort to stay on task and make a list of thig I can do to eliminate the exhaustion, frustration and overwhelming feelings of never being done the last week of Christmas. This year I finally did it! After sorting and documenting through some of the ideas that worked and didn’t work, I hope you can find some help and relief from this easy timeline to help you reach Christmas dinner with zero stress!

1. Delegate House Chores. If you are blessed with tiny people and large people in your home who reside there, make a list for each one and over the 7 days prior, let them help you!
2. Wrap As You Go. This may seem harder than it is written, but let me tell you it is also a game changer for seeing exactly who has how much. Pro tip: I also select a special wrapping paper for each person which also eliminates name tags!
3. Send the Pets on a Holiday Vacation! I know it can be fun to have the pets around but honestly, it is a little less stressful to be letting Benji out. Some also put their pets in another room while company is over, so why not send him on his own holiday to be around friends.
4. Designate Everyone to Bring a Special Dish. Providing the meat and some treats with a staple vegetable is just enough. Let everyone help by bringing a special something for the table. It also provides good conversation.
5. Wash the China the Night Before. And after the washing I said and done, set the table! This eliminates just one more thing to do in the midst of cooking. Also, set out anticipate serving utensils, extra dishes, etc.
6. Stash the Laundry. You don’t need every last piece of clothing folded and tidy. Trust me. No one cares if your laundry is done. BUT if you think people will judge you and you are really that concerned, throw it in your car until company leaves. They will never know.
7. Pamper Yourself the Night Before. You have worked hard for it and you deserve it.
8. Realize Your House is NOT a Museum. Everyone is already coming because they love your family and they love your home. They don’t care if the top shelf hasn’t been dusted, nor should you.

The final tip is so important. Relax and enjoy the day. Christmas is a time for love and celebrating, don’t get all tied up because the laundry isn’t done or your house isn’t spick and span. I promise you, everyone will still love you.

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!