For the past 16 years, I have traveled over the Christmas holidays. Last year, with a not-yet-2-year-old and a 3 month old, we traveled both to Texas and Connecticut. Not to be hyperbolic, but it nearly killed me. For 2017, I put my foot down and announced: we are not traveling over the holidays. Come to us, I said – and they are! My folks came for Thanksgiving, my sister’s fam is coming before Christmas and my hubs’ family is coming for actual Christmas.
Truthfully, while I’ve always traveled over Christmas, I do spend a fair amount of time hosting company and house guests. Our families are all scattered, but thankfully are all healthy and willing to travel to us. I’ve learned a few key tips along the way:
- The All-Important Honey-Do List: my husband is a full partner in all things; he’s thoroughly modern and helps with any and all housework….(where’s the but, right??). BUT – he needs a list. Whatever is on the list, he does. Not to over-generalize, but I don’t think my husband is unique in his need for a list. We could have a debate about list-making and kin-keeping, etc (“Why should he need a list? I don’t need a list! He should know what needs to be done!”) – but I’ll save you the mental energy – just make the list; send the list; *try* not to micro-manage the list.
- Order Groceries ahead of time – Order double extra of anything where it would REALLY suck to run out of it (hint – coffee; toilet paper; booze).
- Pre-Order Party Trays for Grazing: Do you have time to make a full breakfast, lunch, snacks AND dinner for your family + guests for all three days? Yeah, me neither. With guests, I’m a ‘one-sit-down-meal-a-day’ kind of host. Thus, I order pre-order party trays from Giant. They are cheaper than Whole Foods, and just as good (or better). I usually get a sandwich platter; a veggie tray; a fruit tray; and some sort of meat/cheese tray. I put these out during meal times and let folks graze.
- Paper Plates: For any meal I can get away with, we use paper plates – at least for all the kiddos. For holidays, I usually pick up or order some themed paper plates and napkins – the kids love them and it makes me feel a little less guilty if they are a little more festive than plain white Chinet. Party City has a ton of options, which are usually cheaper than in the grocery store.
- Cleaning: Don’t go crazy. Do a basic clean of the bathrooms; clean up the crumbs; make sure the guest room and bathrooms are stocked with necessities; and do a quick vacuum of common areas – and that’s it. I once cleaned grout with a toothbrush for my parents – that was stupid. And with two toddlers, no one has time for that.
- Give yourself a break: Enjoy your guests’ arrival, enjoy the precious family time and then enjoy their exit. Even the easiest guests throw off your routine – it’s OK to take a deep breath at the end of the holidays and toast your guests’ departure. You’ll miss them by the next day.
Mid-Atlantic Mama 