Preparing for Holiday House Guests

Let’s see, by now you’ve decorated the tree, sent cards, wrapped presents, baked cookies, roasted chestnuts and sung carols, all while achieving a daily average of 2000 words, and your house is ready for hosting the perfect Christmas, right?

Or maybe not.

The holidays are always busy, particularly if you’re preparing for a houseful of company for Christmas. Readying guest rooms, coming up with enough seating and last minute child-proofing all add a decidedly unjolly dimension to the festivities. Don’t let “tidings of comfort” overwhelm your joy when you can draw on your expertise as a writer to craft a memorable holiday for your guests.

Research. You love those faraway relatives, but you haven’t spent much time thinking about their trials and triumphs lately. Alleviate potential awkwardness with a little advance planning. Take time to recall what grade the nieces and nephews are in. Review your aunt’s most recent email and remember to ask her how her surgery went. Peek at your family’s Facebook pages to refresh yourself on what’s new and interesting in their worlds. Show your love by getting the details right.

Plot (and Pants). Some of us like our outline or notecards and always write the last chapter first. Others of us see a flash of an idea and leap off it, not knowing where it will go. When it comes to hosting Christmas, I suggest a hybrid approach. Plan the food, presents, games and songs, but don’t be reluctant to go off-script as holiday memories unfold before your eyes.

Symbolism. “The true meaning of Christmas” is a popular theme this time of year, so be certain not to miss it. Revel in the rich traditions of Christmas with an attitude of worship, and amid the presents, reflect on the Ultimate Gift. Appreciate the moment not just for what it is, but also for what it represents.

Dialogue. In large families it’s hard to find time to connect with each person, but make the effort to have significant conversations. For those who are difficult to engage, ask questions; for those who monologue, listen with a servant’s heart.

Edit. Family occasions can be as tense as they are joyous, but save the zingers for fiction. It can take a second to make a cutting remark and a lifetime to heal from it, so let anything that doesn’t build up your guests in Christ remain unsaid.

On Christmas Day and throughout the holidays, it’s the spirit motivating our actions and words that turn a gathering into a fellowship and a celebration into a time of worship. Enjoy the time with the “characters” – the family and friends surrounding you, people Christ died to save – and let the notion of perfect hosting go.