Tips to reduce the stress of hosting

The holidays are a wonderful time of year for family gatherings and festive parties. That is, of course, unless you are the host.

In fact, a staggering 61% of hosts feel the pressure to create a flawless holiday experience. And the host’s gender doesn’t tend to matter, as women fret 64% of the time over having a pristine home while 53% of men stress about orchestrating a grand holiday meal. Throw in the fact that a quarter of us already dread potential social conflicts or uncomfortable topics, and there is every reason to throw in the hosting towel.

But it is possible to host a successful gathering and keep our stress levels in check. All it takes is a few preemptive steps, and you can be the carefree host we’ve all seen pictured on the Hallmark Channel. Let’s begin with planning and preparation:

• Set realistic expectations: Don't aim for perfection. Focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere rather than achieving a Pinterest-perfect scene.
• Plan early: Create a timeline for tasks like shopping, decorating, cooking, and cleaning, while including those who can share the workload.
• Make a budget: Set a realistic budget for food, decorations, and gifts. Stick to your budget to avoid financial stress.
• Simplify the menu: Choose recipes that are familiar and easy to prepare. Consider having potlucks or ask guests to contribute to the meal.
• Delegate tasks: Don't try to do everything yourself. Ask guests, friends, or family members to bring a dish, help with decorations, or clean up after meals.
• Set a cleaning schedule: Break down cleaning tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks throughout the week leading up to your event.
• Prepare for common spills and stains: Keep stain remover, paper towels, and cleaning supplies readily available for quick cleanup.
• Create a playlist: Prepare a festive playlist to set the mood and keep guests entertained.
• Plan activities: Have games, puzzles, or other activities on hand to keep guests entertained, especially children.

Planning for a successful event is half the battle. Once the event starts, there are few things you can do to remain level-headed. First, be flexible. Unexpected hiccups will happen, and it’s important to remember that perfection is not the goal. Next, let go of control by allowing others to pitch in and help. Lastly, enjoy the moment! What’s the point of hosting a fantastic gathering if you, too, aren’t able to celebrate with your friends and family?

During the days leading up to the big event, schedule enough “me-time” to relax and de-stress. Too often, we get caught up in our ever-expanding to-do lists and forget to take care of ourselves. Along with quality sleep and a healthy diet, you can significantly reduce your stress as a memorable holiday season host.