How to Host Your Family and Friends at Christmas

Christmas rolls around once again – it always seems to have a habit of creeping up on you! After two years of social distancing and general instability, many across the UK are looking forward to seeing their family and friends for the Christmas period, perhaps for the first time in months. If you’re hosting family and friends this Christmas, you might be worrying about how to prepare; well, look no further! Here are some tips for hosting your loved ones over the festive period.

Think of Activities to Do Together

Aside from the given activities of ripping open Christmas gifts, sitting down together for Christmas dinner and getting tipsy on Baileys or Buck’s Fizz, your Christmas visit can run out of steam quickly – especially if your loved ones are staying for more than one night. To avoid awkward afternoons of sitting in your living room sipping tea and watching Noddy Holder’s top 50 Christmas songs, plan some fun activities for you all to do together for the duration of their stay. You could build a gingerbread house together, or go on a festive day trip. Consider buying some fun new board games in to learn and play together – or alternatively, you could save decorating the Christmas tree until their arrival!

Sort Their Sleeping Arrangements in Advance

Ahead of their arrival, make sure you have sorted out where everyone will be sleeping, and that they have clean bedding to arrive to. This could be a nightmare to sort out with extra bodies in the house, and you don’t want to be digging around for spare bedding just before getting in bed yourself! In setting up their sleeping arrangements, you can also sneak in some little treats for your family and friends – whether a chocolate on their pillow or a range of festive stocking fillers ahead of the big day.

Make a Note of Dietary Requirements

Since you’ll be responsible for Christmas dinner, you’ll want to make sure that you are catering for everybody you’re hosting. Ensure you know whether or not any members of your Christmas party are allergic, and be sure to provide vegetarian and vegan options where possible. This will show your friends and family that their eating choices and requirements are not a burden to you, and make them feel more welcome on Christmas Day.

Relax

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, relax! Your family love you unconditionally, and your friends are your friends for a reason. Even if something does go a little wrong, you are guaranteed to have a fantastic festive period together – so relax, and join in the fun. Your loved ones will relax as well!