The hustle and bustle of the holidays are hectic and stressful. Factor in family and friends arriving to spend time with you. Here are a few tips to make the holidays run smoothly and relaxed for everyone.
The Christmas Tree - Find a tree locally and bring your saw to cut your own down or find a tree lot where they are already cut down for you. Incorporate the help of the family to choose the best tree. Decorating the tree is a fun activity that includes everyone. Ask each family member or friend to bring an ornament to share on the tree.
A fun group activity- gather around the fireplace and make large bowls of popcorn. Hand out needles and thread and have everyone make popcorn garland to string on the Christmas tree.
Make your own ornaments with the kids - Construction paper, scissors, glue and glitter provide materials for making paper snowflakes or other ornament shapes of your choice. If space allows, set up an art and craft table in an area away from crowds so children can have their own space to create. It's a win for everyone.
Premade freezer friendly foods - make up ahead of time minestrone soup, cinnamon coffee cake, egg, and cheese and ham casserole so you can grab and heat for time saving meals.
Pajama Day - Designate a day for spending the entire day in pajamas for utter relaxation. This one is my favorite!
Treats for your guests - offer your guests slippers, hot chocolate packets, mugs, chocolates
Outdoor entertainment - one of the best parts of being at the lake house is the great outdoors. Cold climate like the Midwest provides entertainment of sledding, skiing, ice skating, snowshoe hiking, not to mention snowball fights, making snow angels and taking nature walks together.
Don't forget the ambience - Candles in all shapes and forms! Votives or tapers, the scents of the holidays are inviting. Cranberry, pine, holly berry or cinnamon.
Holiday music - After Thanksgiving each year, out comes my Johnny Mathis and Bing Crosby Christmas music. We are enjoying VINYL again in our home, so we enjoy playing many of our favorites on the turn table.
Be prepared for emergencies - Always keep on hand jumper cables for car batteries that won't start, shovels, melting salt or sand to deice the walkway, driveway and porch.
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