Let it Flow

Michael and I host Christmas Day dinner. We host anywhere from 10 to 15 people each year. Not too excessive - our house is just big enough for the crowd to feel cozy instead of crowded. Each year is a great success and usually comes with a great deal of (self-inflicted) stress. This year was different. For the first time since we took to hosting, there was no stress. I don’t think I made a conscious effort to ensure this, but it happened.

Even on Christmas Eve at my mother’s house one of the guests said to me “I can’t believe you are here knowing that you’re hosting Christmas dinner! Aren’t you stressed?”

My response: “I used to get stressed but what’s the point?”

I used to clean the entire house - dusting, bathrooms, basement, floors (vacuum and wash!). That took hours. Then I’d shop, cook (with fancy menus), work, and everything else that went with it. I used to be a complete freak. I realized it it didn’t have to be that way (I don’t know when this happened…but I won’t argue that it did).

Here are some changes I made this year:

• Cleaning - no need to vacuum upstairs where the bedrooms are - that’s not where people are hanging out! I made sure the bathrooms were clean, and there was no cat hair on the chairs/couch where people would sit.
• Simplify the menu - Food didn’t have to be fancy to be delicious! I kept it simple for dinner and it was a hit. Much of it was prepared in advance.
• Start early - I started preparations over the weekend. By taking baby steps I was able to manage the process much more effectively and post-dinner clean up was a breeze!
• Get some help - This is a big one. My sister brought appetizers and mom bought the meat for dinner. There is nothing wrong with asking for help!

I didn’t fret, I didn’t stress and I enjoyed my day so much. Even my husband said “Wow, this year seemed so easy!”

I also keep shopping to a minimum. I have all that I need, we do a family grab and I buy for my niece and nephew - that’s it. That’s my choice and it made for a very relaxing and enjoyable Christmas!

I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas, too!

Tags: Stress //