Hosting for the Holidays—The Chosen One
Hi Friends!
Are you the chosen one this year? The host, the one opening their doors to friends and family for the holidays? Well, I am! And let me tell you, hosting is no small task. On top of managing your already-busy life, your limited sleep schedule, and trying to squeeze in a moment of peace, you now have to clean, cook, and coordinate everything. It’s overwhelming just thinking about the logistics.
Then there’s the added stress of having multiple personalities under one roof. You’ll be praying everyone gets along and that everything goes smoothly. And let’s not even start on the food temptations. In the midst of chaos, I tend to reach for fast food or processed snacks—the path of least resistance. This year, though, I want to do things differently.
I’ve been making steady progress with my health and weight-loss goals, and I refuse to let the holiday stress derail me. I want to enjoy my Thanksgiving feast guilt-free, knowing I stayed on track leading up to it. So, here’s my plan:
1. Ask for Help
If people are going to benefit from your hard work, they can pitch in! Ask guests to bring a dish, help with yard work, or make a store run. Delegating doesn’t make you any less of a host—it makes you a smart one. Hosting isn’t a solo job, and asking for help can lighten your load significantly.
2. Do Things in Stages
Not everything has to happen on the day of the celebration. Prep as much as possible the day before—chop veggies, bake desserts, set the table. Spacing things out not only reduces stress but also gives you time to enjoy the day when it arrives.
3. Let Go of Perfection
Trying to cater to everyone’s needs is exhausting. This year, I’m setting boundaries. If I’m cooking, guests can pour their own drinks and fix their own plates (unless you’re a grandparent—you get a pass). The holidays are about connection and joy, not about me running myself into the ground to meet unrealistic expectations.
4. Stick to Your Goals
It’s tempting to reach for quick, unhealthy meals during busy weeks, but I’m committed to staying on track. With the tools I’ve learned—like drinking more water, cutting back on unnecessary calories, and planning ahead—I know I can navigate this season without compromising my progress. And by staying consistent, I can truly enjoy Thanksgiving dinner without guilt.
5. Pace Yourself
Hosting isn’t just about the food and the decor. It’s about being present and enjoying the time with loved ones. Keep things manageable so you can take part in the festivities instead of just running around behind the scenes.
So, there you have it—that’s my plan for surviving and thriving as the holiday host this year. I’m hopeful this strategy will help me balance my health goals and the stress of hosting. If you’re hosting this year too, know that you’ve got this.
Let’s make this holiday season as joyful and stress-free as possible. Good luck, friends, and let’s see how it goes!
Cheers to surviving the holidays and staying on track. 🎉🦃