Tips for Making Holiday Visits Less Stressful

The holidays have become notoriously stressful. Hosting out-of-town holiday visitors can bring an added element of stress. Here are five tips to help reduce the stress level in your home when hosting visitors over the holidays.

Do as much work as possible before holiday guests arrive. This will make more time available with guests and reduce stress levels. Portions of most holiday meals can often be prepared in advance and kept in the refrigerator or freezer. Do a thorough house-cleaning before guests arrive to free up time while they are there. Cooking and cleaning after holiday guests have arrived will be stressful and take away from time visiting with them.

Take time to yourself. Entertaining holiday guests constantly can bring on added stress. Break away from time to time, either to take a long bath or a nap. This is particularly true if you and your house guests have a tendency to get on one another's nerves. Time alone will allow you to regenerate and release stress, which is particularly important during the holidays. Your guests will probably enjoy the opportunity to do the same.

Get enough rest. Small things can seem more stressful when sleep-deprived. Try not to stay up late during the holidays making pies, trussing turkeys, and wrapping gifts. Serve continental breakfasts on some mornings, which will not entail getting up early to cook something. Each day you begin rested will be less stressful.

Ask for help. Holiday houseguests are generally eager to help with things like washing dishes or preparing meals. I have had difficulties asking for help from my houseguests in the past. I always wanted to treat them well, which in my mind included not having them work. However, if guests stay in your home for several days over the holidays it can be very stressful to do everything yourself.

Occasionally leave the house. Plan trips to the local mall or some other activity that will take you away from the house. The fresh air and change of scenery will help alleviate stress. Even something as simple as taking a drive to view holiday lights after dark can give everyone a break. It is also possible to send guests away to do something like this on their own (and perhaps even take your children), again giving you a stress-relieving break.

Make sure during this holiday season to remember these tips, and having guests staying in your home will not be stressful. Because guests have to stay with you, it likely means you do not often get to see them. Remember the goal is to spend quality time with friends and family and enjoy the holidays, not stress about them.