Free tips reduce stress from occasions and gatherings including ways to organize, head off minor annoyances and recruit help.
Holidays can be stressful, especially when families gather for dinners and celebrations. Here are some tips that can help make your holidays more enjoyable:
One of the best ways to deal with aggravations among family members is to anticipate them and plan ahead of time. Set up two or three small areas with refreshments so that guests can congregate in several places in your home. Likewise, set up activities such as viewing family albums or board games in different areas. Plan a seating chart ahead of time and if Uncle Ralph is known to get on Cousin Bea's nerves, assign seats accordingly. Keeping family members who don't get along busy or apart is the key.
Enlist the help of older kids to help keep the younger ones busy. Make a list of games and activities -- appropriate for both indoor and outdoor play -- so that there is something to do no matter what the weather. Small toys purchased at the dollar store make great prizes. A great activity that kids of any age enjoy is painting. Most craft stores sell small, inexpensive plaster knick-knacks for every season. Spread the newspaper out in the garage, pass out the old T-shirts, whip out the acrylic paint and you won't hear from the kids for hours. Don't forget to recruit help in the kitchen also. Guests are usually more than willing to help serve refreshments or stir gravy.
Many foods can be prepared and frozen ahead of time. Many can also be prepared and refrigerated the day before. Go over your menu and see what can be stirred or simmered the day or night before. Vegetables, meats and fruits can also be cut up and refrigerated. If someone asks what they can bring, don't be a martyr. You didn't ask them, they asked you. Make a small list of items that are easily transportable (such as bottled drinks or dinner rolls) and assign them as asked. Plan on what to wear and lay those out the night before. Hair dresser, nail and other personal care appointments should be made a few days before your event.
When planning your schedule, factor in two hours for yourself before guests arrive. This will give you time to de-stress in a bubble bath or take your time to dress. Looking and feeling your best when hosting a family gathering will help you remain cool and calm later if the need arises. If you need to supervise bathing and dressing children, factor in an extra hour and recruit a family member to help keep them occupied while you get ready.
With a little planning, family gatherings can be enjoyable. So relax, and pass another helping of fun!
