14 Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress and Celebrate Christmas Peacefully with Family

We think and hope Christmas is about harmony, peace, love, and giving thanks, but it always ends up in chaos. No matter how hard you try to keep things smooth, you’re bound to run into a few hiccups. Well, worry no more because we’ve figured out a way to keep the dinner going without it erupting into a frenzy.

Opt For A Buffet

We know going for a buffet means more dishes to cook, but it’s perfect for people who like cooking. It’s also a great way to introduce inclusive meals without subtracting popular or signature foods. If you’re not comfortable cooking an entire buffet yourself, you can turn it into a potluck buffet and welcome guests who want to share the love.

Practice Active Listening

We admit that we’ve all got some family members who can’t stick to a peaceful topic, but sometimes, listening to them is all it takes to keep the peace. Practice active listening; allow your guests enough time to articulate their thoughts and express their opinions. Other guests will catch on to you listening to them, so you’ll have a harmonious run.

Create A Shared Playlist

Nothing gets people going like music, but setting a playlist can be challenging if you’re hosting people with clashing music tastes. Well, who says you have to stick to one musical playlist? Reach out to the guests, ask for their recommendations, and create a playlist that works for everyone. They won’t complain once they hear their favorite songs playing.

Encourage Open Seating

While we usually recommend a seating plan, sometimes, designated seating can get in the way of people interacting with each other. Set a seating plan, but don’t be too firm about it; allow guests to switch and change their seats once they’re done eating so they can have fun, gossip, and bond with each other.

Set A Quiet Space

Designate a space in your house as a quiet room. It can be the backyard, the guestroom, or a small corner in the living room. Redirect guests who want to relax and simply enjoy some music or scroll on their phones instead of listening to elders bicker and children scream. It’ll make the evening fun and comfortable for everyone.

Play a Secret Santa Exchange

A Secret Santa gift exchange is a simple and fun way to make your holiday gathering more exciting. Set a low budget so it’s easy for everyone to participate, and suggest thoughtful or funny gifts that will bring smiles to people’s faces. It’s a lighthearted activity that keeps guests entertained, adds a festive touch to the celebration, and helps bring everyone closer together.

Set Up A Crafts Table

If this is your first time hosting and you’re nervous about children running amok, set up a fun DIY table to keep them occupied. You can set stationery, coloring books, and various arts and crafts tools to keep them all cooped up in a corner, happily showing off their creativity and giving their exhausted parents a break.

Time The Meal

Here’s a bitter truth: No matter how hard you try to please people, you’ll still meet cranky guests because they’ll be hungry. This is precisely why it’s incredibly important you time the meal and ensure it’s out the kitchen door the moment everyone’s arrived; keep the dishes going and the drinks flowing so all your guests eat at the same time and don’t have much to complain about.

Offer All Sorts Of Drinks

Speaking of keeping the drinks flowing, don’t just limit your beverages to one type. Keep an open bar with multiple options so you and your guests have an easier time. We recommend locking up the liquor with restricted access, but you can serve various juices, cold drinks, energy drinks, hot cocoa, and herbal teas to keep things interesting.

Set A Relaxed Dress Code

We’re all way too familiar with the itch of grandma’s sweater and a crisp collar. While setting a dress code is undoubtedly fun, one way to keep the peace is to keep things simple. Set a formal code or a theme but allow relaxation; for example, you could go with the color blue with all sorts of dresses or go with pantsuits and dresses made out of different materials.

Make Inclusive Meals

It might be challenging to tailor your meal to someone else’s preferences, but a big part of hosting dinners is keeping the guests happy. Reach out to your guests, share your menu, and ask them about dietary restrictions. If you’re unable to comply, ask them to bring their own food but in big helpings to ensure everyone gets a taste and feels included.

Arrange a Holiday Movie Screening

Set up a cozy space with soft blankets, plenty of cushions, and some snacks for a holiday movie night. Choose a classic holiday film or a family favorite that everyone will enjoy watching together. This is a great way to give everyone a chance to relax and unwind while still being part of the holiday fun. It’s a simple way to keep the festive spirit alive without too much effort.

Give Tokens Of Appreciation

Once you’re done with the hosting, try giving tokens of appreciation if you can. Whether they’re small goodie bags packed with homemade treats or personalized letters, sharing these tokens will make your guests feel appreciated and loved. They’ll also look forward to future gatherings, and you’ll get a wholesome tradition out of it.

Respect Each Other’s Beliefs

Lastly, the only way you’ll have a harmonious holiday is if you respect everyone’s beliefs. You might not agree with their beliefs or opinions, but keep your criticism to yourself and ensure everyone has a safe (but carefully monitored) space to express themselves. Step in when your guests are being rude, belligerent, or offensive to others.

More For You

Just like your family, your friends are also always there no matter the event. Not only do they celebrate with you, but they also help reduce your stress by listening to you and understanding what you feel. According to research, your friends can also increase your life span due to many reasons.

This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.