The holiday season means more than cheerful giving and décor…it can oftentimes signify the arrival of overnight and unexpected guests. Opening your guest rooms to loved ones can turn your home into a bed and breakfast as etiquette dictates providing meals, and recommending social activities. You must also keep up with the supply of bath towels and coordinates, bedroom needs (see “Prepping the Guestroom on a Budget: 5 Essentials You’ll Need”) and access to laundry (you don’t have to do it). Feel overwhelmed? While intentions tend to always be good, the end result of extended stays can be explosive resulting in a holiday massacre. To help relieve you of early stress, we have a few tips to keep you calm.

1.)    Plan Ahead – Make a small calendar to help you stay on top of guests’ arrivals and departures. This will also come in handy when planning dinners and activities. By staying on top of schedules, there should (hopefully) be no last-minute surprises.

2.)    Block Out an Hour (or Two) for “Me” Time – Oftentimes when people get stressed from house guests, it is because they are constantly around them! Take a small breather from the demands of your house and get a cup of coffee at a café, see a movie solo or enjoy a quiet session at the spa. You will thank us later!

3.)    Recommend Off-Site Exploring – If you have guests staying in your home, chances are they do not live in the area and thus should explore. Create a casual itinerary of local things to do. You may get lucky with guests wanting to venture out on their own leaving an empty house for you.

4.)    Keep Budget-Friendly Meals in Mind – So many households go through countless dollars trying to feed their family. When you increase the amount of mouths to feed you now have a very high grocery bill. Plan ahead with simple, budget-friendly meals that are both seasonal and savory. There are so many great sites that offer meal ideas for $5 or less that will help you save a little.

5.)    Remember the Reason for the Season – Above all, it is extremely important to keep the purpose of gathering at heart. The holiday season is about family coming together and is a loving time that deserves no strife. Even when guests get on your nerves, remember they too took time out of their schedules to visit.