The holiday season can be chaotic. Here are a couple of things to do now and pointers to ensure a stress-free holiday season.
Don’t be a perfectionist. Keep an open mind, embrace any flaws or mishaps that might happen along the way and make the most of it. Be grateful that you’re surrounded by loved ones.
Clean up the common areas. Organize, declutter and make way for your guests by clearing space in your entryway, living room and lounge areas.
Prep as much as possible ahead of time. Get a head start on the homemade dishes you’ll be serving. Buy non-perishable ingredients now and choose dishes that can be at least partially prepped (such as chopping vegetables or marinating meat) if not completely cooked ahead of time and reheated later.
Create different social zones. Having only one room for your guests to hang out in can get stuffy fast. Have multiple common areas for guests to mingle around in.
Plan an activity for down time. Capitalize on downtime before and after meals to foster togetherness with fun holiday activities.
Take breaks for yourself. Focus on your personal well-being and step back from festivities when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Be prepared for overnight guests. As important as it is for you to have a private space of your own, create one of the same for your overnight guests.