How to Prep for a Not-So-Perfect Holiday Season
The holiday season is just around the corner, and if you're anything like me, you're both excited and slightly terrified about all the extra food, hosting duties, and the various unexpected surprises that come along with it. Let's dive into the chaos with a dash of home organizing wisdom and humor, because we all know that our family gatherings never look like Hallmark Movies, no matter how hard we try!
1. Prepare Your Pantry and Kitchen for the Culinary Marathon
Before the holidays hit like a whirlwind of in-laws and nagging siblings, get your kitchen and pantry ready for the culinary marathon ahead by doing the following:
Purge and Organize: Start by cleaning out your pantry. Throw away expired items, and organize your shelves so you can easily access your holiday staples like flour, sugar, and spices. You'll need all the space you can get.
Stock Up on Essentials: Make a list of the ingredients you'll need for your holiday recipes and stock up in advance. Nothing kills the joy of cooking faster than realizing you're out of flour when you're elbow-deep in cookie dough.
Create a Baking Zone: Designate an area in your kitchen for baking supplies. This will help you avoid the frantic search for that elusive rolling pin, and you can keep an eye on hyped-up kids trying to lick the wooden spoon dipped in pie filling.
Get Your Appliances in Order: Ensure your appliances are in working order. The last thing you need is your oven breaking down on Christmas Eve with a turkey inside.
2. Hosting Events and Overnight Guests: A Survival Guide
If your home is the holiday headquarters, that means you’ll be hosting events and having overnight guests - lucky you! . Here's a checklist to keep you sane:
Ready the guest room: Set up a comfortable guest room with fresh linens and towels.
Stock the Guest Bathroom: Keep the guest bathroom well-stocked with essentials. Consider some air fresheners, too, for those post-holiday meal visits.
Entertainment Options: Have a stash of board games, movies, and other entertainment to keep your hyped-up kids and your guests occupied. Anything to distract them from getting into trouble!
3. Coping Mechanisms
In-Laws: Remember, they are family too, and sometimes they come bearing gifts and sometimes they come bearing unsolicited opinions! Take a deep breath and smile. It's all part of the holiday package.
Nagging Siblings: When they start nagging about your hosting skills, politely remind them that you've got it covered. Or hand them an apron and put them to work in the kitchen.
Hyped-Up Kids: The best way to handle overly excited children is to join in the fun. Channel that energy into holiday crafts or cookie decorating. After all, they're part of the magic of the season.
The Doorbell-Peeing Dog: Accept that your furry friend has a unique way of announcing guests. Be prepared with cleaning supplies and let your guests know about this special "welcome."
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, remember that a sense of humor is your secret weapon! Because, well, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry…embrace the chaos, make memories, and enjoy the time with your loved ones. After all, it's the imperfect moments that make the best holiday stories!
Cheers to a festive and fun-filled holiday season!