Guests & Gifts: 3 Tips For A Stress-Free Holiday Season
This month, many of you are welcoming loved ones as guests in your homes for the holidays. It might be for a day or a week, but either way, you know there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes preparation involved. There are meals to cook, decorations to put up, and tons of gifts to buy.
As the to-do list begins to grow, some of you may get so wrapped up in making sure you have all the checkmarks on your list that you forget to enjoy this special time of year. But what are the holidays, if not a time to celebrate joy and connection with the people you love?
Follow these 3 time-saving tips to stay stress-free through all the guests and gifts this holiday season:
1. Give Quality, Not Quantity
For many, gifts have become an overwhelming pressure for hosts or hostesses and their guests. They are a source of stress for the giver during December and contributing clutter for the recipient during the rest of the year. It’s important to remember that gifts are a fun part of the holidays, but they are not the reason for the season.
Consider the quality of the gifts you are giving. Ask parents or family members what others need or want. Give children one or two toys that are made well and built to last, instead of purchasing 5 toys that will only last for a couple of weeks. Not only does this help reduce clutter for your guests in the New Year, but it is also a thoughtful gesture to pick out a gift that you know the recipient will love. It’s better for the planet, too, as it cuts down on production time and limits environmental impact.
Be sure to pick out and prepare gifts as early as possible. The first gifts that you should purchase and wrap are the ones that need to be shipped. Tackling these gifts first will help you ensure that they arrive to the recipient on time.
2. Give Experiences, Not “Stuff”
Better yet, consider gifting experiences instead of physical objects to save time on wrapping and shipping. A trip to an amusement park or zoo is an irreplaceable memory for children that lasts far longer than a toy. Other gift ideas for children include a beauty experience, a visit to the aquarium, a dance class, or a zip line adventure. Gifting money for a child’s future college education is a thoughtful gift and a true blessing these days as well.
Most adults also appreciate experiences as a much needed leisurely break from the hectic schedules of their daily lives. A concert, a fancy dinner, or a night at the theater all make great gifts for adults, too.
3. Ask Your Guests To Pitch In
There’s no rule that says the host or hostess has to take on all of the responsibilities that go into making the holidays memorable. Guests can lend a helping hand, too, whether they’re coming to your home for the day or staying overnight.
If you’re hosting a party, make it a potluck and ask each guest to contribute. They can bring cups and drinks, an appetizer, or a dessert. Not only is that one more item to check off your to-do list, but it is also a great way for guests to share their favorite holiday foods and traditions.
Guests who are staying for a longer period of time can also be put to work with chores and errands that need doing, like wrapping gifts or going grocery shopping. It’s the perfect, built-in way to keep guests busy. Chances are, they will appreciate having something to do, instead of sitting around while you do all of the work. And when you share a task, such as cooking a meal together, you are also maximizing the quality time with your friends and family.
With these simple tips in mind, you can easily melt away the stress that often burdens hosts and hostesses during the flurry of holiday festivities. You’ll be on your way to calmer, happier holidays in no time. You might even find some fun in your to-do list when you share it with others!
Transformare Organizing Services can help you get organized prior to your guests’ arrival. Contact us today to get started!