It’s the holiday season, which also means that the likelihood of someone coming into your home is expanded. You have most likely invited them into your house because of love, or maybe for other more complicated reasons such as that of obligation. You are happy to see them, while at the same time wishing they wouldn’t do this or that thing that drives you nuts.
“It’s great to see you!” (Did you have to put that on the one spot I just scrubbed for an hour?) “How was the trip?” (Did I wash towels to go with the clean sheets?)
Short visits are good, but extended visits can be trying. Your routine has been changed, and that time you usually just ‘relax’ now has a new title called ‘entertain.’ And it’s often hard for the house guest too – wanting to be gracious when they just want to be alone too, or wanting to spend every minute making sure that you know that you are loved by them, or trying to not impact your life too much, even though it’s impossible when every routine has to change.
To be a good house host or hostess, it’s good to keep certain things in mind.
1. The duration of the visit is relatively short in the whole span of your life.
2. It is time to relax on other things that you worry about, because you will be unable to be perfect in all areas.
3. By being a host or hostess you are actually giving a huge gift of love to your visitor(s).
4. Your guest is less worried about where they are staying than making sure you are happy to have them there.
If you are having house guests this holiday season, try to relax and enjoy yourself. There are few opportunities to show someone you care about them as much as you can while they are in your home.
All best,
Rose
