This holiday season came and went so quickly. It got me thinking about how stressed out people get this time of year instead of really enjoying it. This was our third year hosting Christmas Eve and it seemed to shock people that we able to keep it so stress-free. We have four young kids, how was I not freaking out, how could I get everything done…is what they were all thinking, I guess. But, honestly, there was not one moment when I felt stressed out. I refuse to stress out and miss out on what it’s all about. So, there we were, with everything ready, the food, the house, the kids and I were all dressed, and somehow, we were still waiting for people to show up!
I’m not saying it’s not a lot of work, because it definitely is. Getting the house ready, the cooking, the planning, the shopping, the wrapping, all while taking care of 4 demanding little humans…its a ton of work! But that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful.
And it’s not just the holidays. If you’re hosting any event or even going to an event with young children, you may find this post helpful.
Since people seemed so shocked at how prepared we were, I thought I’d share what helps me keep my cool. Even with 4 kids, 6 and under, where there is almost always at least 2 kids crying, this is what helps me. If I can find a way to keep my calm any one can!
First of all, lower those unrealistic expectations! No one is perfect, nothing is perfect, perfection is stupid. So now that we have that out of the way, set your expectations somewhere around ‘everyone just have a good time’. This is supposed to be fun. Making everyone miserable so that the house looks spotless or just so you can get that perfect picture, that all kinda takes the fun right outta everything. It defeats the whole purpose of these gatherings and celebrations. So just focus on keeping the laughter, smiles and fun rolling.
Next is food. When I’m hosting the last thing I want is to be stuck in the kitchen. Especially at my house where my kitchen is teeny tiny and cut off from the rest of the house. Because of that, I only choose food that can be made ahead of time. For Christmas Eve this year, I did all my cooking the 2 days before so the day of all I had to do was heat things up and set up some cold apps.
The only thing with making your food head of time is, know your guests. If they’re like my family and show up an hour or 2 late to everything, don’t heat up your food too early. My eggplant parmesan was a little dried out this year. I heated it way too early.
Another big help is letting people bring stuff. If you have family and friends who are asking what they can bring, TELL THEM! Maybe they have a specialty appetizer or something like that. Or ask them to grab a dessert, cookies, fruit, something easy. And then that’s one less thing you have to worry about. I’m lucky enough to have a mother and mother in law who bring a couple dishes each, very helpful.
Probably the biggest stress reducing thing I do is planning. I make lists on lists on lists!!! I’ve heard countless times, “I don’t know how you do it with all these kids!” Here’s a secret…I knew it was coming! It’s not like Christmas surprises you, people. I know that I do not have the luxury to wait until the last minute for anything, ever, with 4 kids! I thought ahead and tried to get everything ordered and delivered whenever I could. That’s so much easier than trying to run out with 4 little beast such as mine.
I make lots of lists. What food we will be serving, and a food shopping list. Who we need presents for and what and where we will get them. What little projects around the house need to get done(i.e. this year I painted the downstairs bathroom). All the other cleaning chores that need to get done. I write it all down. Then the week of, I make of list of what needs to get done each night so we will be ready the day of. Breaking it down like this makes it easier to tackle and easier to avoid procrastination.
I placed my grocery order with Shoprite days before I needed it. I set it for a time when my husband was home so I could run there alone. It turned out, Shoprite was running behind 3 hours and my husband had to go to work by the time it was ready. But, thankfully, my mother-in-law was able to come over and stay with the kids while I picked up my order. I didn’t stress, just looked for another solution.
And, of course, behind me at shoprite was a mom with 3 little kids waiting for her order. All 3 kids were screaming and crying and fighting…and all I could think was “that could’ve been me. I feel so sorry for her, but thank God that’s not me!” Sometimes I can’t avoid those stressful situations like taking the kids to the grocery store, but when I can, I most certainly do!
I also made sure I had a plan for music. Which is pretty easy having Alexa and prime music. Their holiday stations are great! Leading up to Christmas I listened to prime music and when a song I liked came on I added to a playlist. This way, I also had a playlist of my own picks. But any of the stations will work too.
Another good idea is having a plan for the kids. I always make sure some of the food I serve is kid friendly. This year I made a tray of Mac and Cheese, always a crowd pleaser. And my mother in law made pigs in a blanket and little pizzas. As long as there is something for those super picky kids (you know the ones). Some crafts and activities are also a good idea to keep them occupied. Using construction paper, we cut out stockings for each kid to decorate. We also had Christmas coloring books. Most craft stores have those foam crafts for $1, I like to get them too. Keeps them occupied and they can take something home!
So, to recap what helps me stay stress-free hosting Christmas Eve (or any event really, home or out)
- Throw your expectations out the effing window and enjoy it for what it is. Be present!
- If you’re cooking, keep it simple! No need to be slaving in the kitchen and miss all the fun!
- Let people help. You’re not proving anything doing it all by yourself. You’re just making yourself miserable and stressed out for nothing.
- Plan! Make lists! If you don’t want to be running around all stressed out last minute, then plan ahead. Be prepared! But don’t forget that unexpected things are bound to happen so don’t let them throw you. So I will say one more time…
- Relax, have an adult beverage of your choice (for me that’s Jameson) and enjoy your family, friends and loved ones.
Keep scrolling to see some pics from our Christmas Eve party and what makes it all so special for us!
