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From Oct. 31 to Jan. 1, the whirlwind of themed parties to host, cookies to bake, and mandatory attendance at Thanksgiving, Christmas concerts, and ball-drop parties can turn even the jolliest of holiday enthusiasts into a Scrooge.
Whether you're hosting a holiday game night for a few friends or turning your home into a temporary Airbnb for all the family members flooding in, the stress can feel overwhelming. It's not every day you're keeping everyone happy, feeding an army, creating lasting memories, buying gifts for friends and family, and somehow squeezing in work and chores.
A few days of this will have you feeling more like a steward than a part of the family.
Master of ceremonies, host, steward –– all titles for the same job
It's a challenge to corral the chaos behind the scenes and present a united, effortless front. You're the one making sure the drinks stay full, the seating is just right, and everyone is comfortable and happy. But being a host isn't just about service — it's about anticipating needs, handling mishaps with grace, and ensuring that things run smoothly, even when it seems like it's all about to derail.
And while stewards may be the unsung heroes of any event, you are not a paid steward. You deserve to enjoy the holidays just as much as your guests. So, take a page from their playbook — plan ahead, delegate where you can, and most importantly, relax and join the celebration.
Be prepared
Top-tier hosts always have a backup plan. If something goes wrong, they've already thought ahead and implemented a solution, leaving guests blissfully unaware.
You can adopt this mindset as you plan to host family or friends. Did Helen forget to bring the cranberry salad she promised? No worries, because earlier in the week, you grabbed an extra bag of salad at the store. Short on seats? You already dragged in a few extra chairs from guest rooms or borrowed a few from a neighbor. The trick is to expect the unexpected and prepare for it.
Check your tools
They say, "It's a poor craftsman who blames their tools." Well, the same goes for holiday hosting. And a true craftsman knows their tools inside out, and the same applies to your kitchen appliances, electronics, and entertainment system.
Make sure your oven, dishwasher, and any other essential appliances (ahem — air fryer) are in good working order before the big day. You don't want to find out that your stove decided to call it quits just as your turkey's halfway done. A great host wouldn't allow equipment failure to throw off their event — and neither should you!
Decipher requests, wants and needs
One of the hardest parts of hosting is balancing everyone's expectations. Stewards are experts at this, especially when guests start demanding things that weren't originally on the menu (a last-minute lobster request.
When your guests start making holiday requests (like three different kinds of pies or gluten-free stuffing), it's your job to assess what's realistic. You can still accommodate your guests without bending over backward for every demand. Stay calm, manage expectations, and find a middle ground where everyone feels considered.
Delegate like a pro
Even the best hosts know they can't do everything themselves. That's why they delegate tasks to ensure their events run like clockwork, and you should too. If someone offers to help, say yes! If they don't offer, ask!
Assign simple but meaningful tasks — like setting the table, making their own gluten-free stuffing, or taking care of cleanup afterward.
Not only will this take some of the weight off your shoulders, but it also gets everyone involved. After all, the best holiday moments come from spending time together, and that includes dish duty.
You don't have to do it all
If you're one of those people who can attend every activity and event and still have the energy for family dinners, congratulations — you're a holiday unicorn. But for the rest of us, give yourself permission to skip a few of the festivities.
Maybe the family is gearing up for a competitive game of turkeyball or some late-night Christmas caroling. Let them go! Instead, take that time for yourself — curl up with a good book or sneak in a nap. The holidays are just as much about rest and self-care as they are about parties and gatherings. Don't feel obligated to participate in every event and certainly don't expect everyone else to, either. Trust that everything will go much smoother when everyone gets to recharge at their own pace. And don't forget to apply that same compassion to family and friends who may not attend every one of your events.
And don't be afraid to delegate tasks to people who may live under your own roof. According to popsugar.com, delegating tasks to your family members not only saves your own sanity, but teaches your family members how to help as well.
Happy guests, happier hosts
At the end of the day (perhaps a very long day), hosting doesn't have to mean sacrificing your own enjoyment. With a little preparation, delegation and flexibility, you can keep the festivities running smoothly while still making time for yourself. Embrace your role as the host, but don't forget to step back, relax, and enjoy the holiday moments — you deserve it as much as anyone else.
And to make your home feel warm and inviting over the holidays, consider new furniture and decor. For all your home's holiday needs stop by your local RC Willey!
