This time of year a question always arises about the holidays. The burning question is : Where will the festivities be held? In other words, who is going to invite everyone to their house for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas?
Typically, I am the hostess and not the guest. I am not sure if this is by nature or choice. For years, my mother held the celebrations, then she moved away.
I am not sure what year it was when I took over the duties but I have them most of the years. I am fortunate enough to have a home large enough to accommodate the whole family. I have had gatherings bigger than I thought humanly possible. And my immediate family does help getting things prepared. I love having parties but this year, I am feeling a little weary of it all.
In my family, it seems some do not take a turn hosting the celebrations. Does anyone have suggestions on how to nicely inform them, they need to step up? Or is there a nice way to do this?
This year will you choose to be the host/hostess or the guest?
Ann Hayden Realtor St. Louis Missouri
For All Your real estate needs: www.SelectAnn.com
© Ann Hayden, 2008-2009.
Well Ann, you can do what I did, stop having the holiday dinners. I was the person whom always had the holidays with no help from other family members, so I went on strike and only cook for my son and myself.
You could always do a lottery, put every holiday in a hat and each person pulls out the holiday that they will do. Have a festive season.
Hi Ann . . . You have quite the knack for explaining the nuances of your specialty.
Nice work. Thanks for the post.
Aloha
James Pycha (R)
REMAX Kauai
I know exactly how you feel....I tend to be the hostess also, however this year due to the slow economy instead of presents for all we will be doing "Dirty Santa" So maybe I will surprise everyone and ask them to bring a dish! Change is GOOD.
I'm always the hostess too and I've about had it with everyone thinking they can show up 10 minutes before dinner and expecting everything to be perfect! Even though they bring dishes, I have to warm them...but I guess it could be worse...we could be alone at the holidays and I can't imagine that!
We usually start talking about it in Sept or Oct..."who's having Thanksgiving this year" is the question...we banter back and forth, then decide...I LOVE DOING IT...but not EVERY holiday EVERY year! It is nice to share the load...
Maybe you could say "who wants to do the next one (meaning Christmas)? (code for NOT ME)
Oh I definitely like being the guest. If you invite all the AR people, you could have a huge party!
I like being the host most of the time, When I am the guest I still end up helping in the kitchen or picking up. I love cooking though and that is how I am.
I have two families that can never decide who is hosting what. So this year, we solved the problem. Neither - skipping out of town for vacation.
I always solve the problem by going out to eat and letting the hotel, resort, or restaurant be the host. Plus they always have enough food and pumpkin pie.
Hi Ann! We usually do it at my parents house. My older sis just bought a brand new home this year though & offered to have it @ the new home which is great. We all chip in and bring something. KM
Ann - we usually do it at my parents, and my mother-in-laws. We have a lot of ground to cover, and family members that are expected to be at other homes too. It gets really complicated and can be quite a stresser. Good luck with your holidays!
Hi Ann, I was in your shoes for years, and then one year I just proclaimed that this year we would be keeping it simple - no huge festivities. It was just a year that soooo much was going on. And then at the last minute we were invited to enjoy the festivities at another family members house. Why should anyone step up, when you're so good at it.....? Think about it. Maybe you should take some time off this year ...and see who else takes it...best wishes!
Julie,
I would stop having the holidays except I miss having other people around. The lottery sounds like an interesting concept.
Thank you for the suggestion,
Ann
James,
What a nice thing to say. My specialty is complicated. ;-)
Ann
Debbie,
Okay, you have my attention, what is "Dirty Santa"? And I think if everyone is going to invade your home, they should come bearing food and drink at the very least. I don't know about you but I spend a considerable amount of time cleaning and getting everything ready. UGH!
Thank you for stopping by,
Ann
Lisa,
Yes, I agree it could be worse, but what are they thinking showing up 10 minutes before the meal? I would never do this to someone else. I always bring a dish and some wine or something.
Thanks for your input,
Ann
Pat,
In my family, no one except me thinks that far ahead! But this year things are different since we just lost my brother in October. I have been stressed from it all. It is horrible when someone fairly young dies for so far an unknown reason.
I should try your question. I like it.
Thanks,
Ann
Richard,
You know what they say, the more the better... I love parties. But I get tired of the work involved before and after..
If you are in the Midwest, stop by,
Ann
Timothy,
I like to cook too. And I am always in the kitchen helping.
Thank you for stopping by,
Ann
Ryan,
What a great idea, leaving town. I threaten to do just that but I have sons who have jobs. I would feel bad if they did not have the holidays.
Ann
Russel,
I bet the food at a good hotel is awesome!
Thanks for the idea,
Ann
Kristin,
Sounds like a good time. My family is considerably bigger than yours... Brothers and sisters, spouses or significant others, many children, nieces, nephews and extended "people"...
It is a big party.
Ann
Ann,
Sounds like you have alot to deal with. It is very stressful and sometimes the weather can cause issues adding to the stress.
Have a great day,
Ann
Sandy,
Yes, I guess you are right. I am too welcoming and happy to make the celebration memorable.
Thank you for always commenting on my little posts,
Ann