The holiday season is fast approaching, and that means family gatherings are just around the corner. While the thought of seeing your loved ones might make your heart glow with happiness, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Preparing for such a visit isn’t always easy, especially when they’re coming to your place. A lot must be done before their arrival, but worry not, you’ve got this! Here are a few tips on how to prepare for holiday visits from the family.
Clean & Organize Your Home
Starting early is crucial, especially if you have a full-time job along with your day-to-day activities. Your family members need to feel comfortable and welcomed, and a clutter-free house can play a significant role in this. Figure out the logistics of the visit and allocate enough time to get the house cleaned and organized—consider working on a to-do list to ensure you’re not missing anything. Alternatively, if you have room left in your holiday budget, consider hiring a professional cleaning company to prepare your home for the holiday season.
Plan Sleeping Arrangements
Having a clean and tidy house isn’t the only thing to consider. Your family members need a comfortable place to sleep and relax for their stay. Clear out some space in your guest room or living room to make room for them, or prepare your kid’s rooms for guests. You can also make arrangements at a nearby hotel or Airbnb if you don’t have enough space available at your place.
Stock the Guest Rooms With Essentials
A stay becomes more enjoyable when guests have access to necessary amenities. Therefore, ensure your guest rooms have essential items, such as extra towels and blankets. Don’t forget to leave out toiletries such as soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. If possible, also include a small desk fan or heater to accommodate different weather preferences, as well as other items your guests may need, such as a phone charger, steamer, iron, hair dryer, etc. This thoughtful gesture will go a long way in making your guests’ stay comfortable and enjoyable.
Stock Up on Food & Drinks
Having enough supplies is essential, especially if you’re hosting relatives with different preferences and tastes. Stock up on food, drinks, and snacks, and be sure to ask your visitors in advance if they have any items they would like you to purchase for their visit. You can also consider making a meal plan while they are visiting and stocking up on the necessary items before their arrival. Don’t forget to check if your family members have any food allergies or special dietary requirements!
Provide Necessary Information to Guests
Before their arrival, it’s helpful to provide visitors with all the essential information they may need for their stay. This could include a door code for a keyless entry system, an alarm code to disable or enable your home security system, and a Wi-Fi password for their internet needs. Leave these details in a visible spot in the guest room, or if you prefer, text them to them directly.
Plan Activities in Advance
Make an itinerary of activities or outings that you can do together to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable time. The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to bond with your loved ones, so take advantage of this chance. You can plan movie nights, board game marathons, or even a short trip to see Christmas lights. It is best to purchase tickets or make reservations well ahead of time, depending on the activities you have planned. This will help you avoid any last-minute hassles.
Set Expectations
Communication is key to setting expectations and avoiding misunderstandings. Talk to your family members about what you expect from them, such as helping with chores or cleaning. Also, discuss routines, such as meal times or bedtimes. It’s important to keep an open mind and avoid being too rigid about your expectations or preferences.
Preparing for holiday visits from the family might seem like a daunting task, but it all boils down to planning and preparation. Follow these tips, and you’ll hopefully have happy and comfortable family members and a memorable holiday season!