Preparing for Guests

As Christmas approaches, when family and friends come to visit, it helps to plan for adjustments to routines so your time spent together is more relaxed, flexible and most of all, enjoyable! It can be very tough for kids especially, who may get over-tired and over-stimulated (and even temporarily displaced if guests have to stay in their rooms).

As my guest prep checklist mentions (shop here), the week before guests arrive, it’s helpful to review expectations for…

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🎁 Meal planning [prep a few freezer meals before big events so you can focus on other stuff!]
🎁 Budget and financing [be aware of your spending and who is buying what]
🎁 Regular daily routines and activities [try to stick with the usual routine, at least elements of it, 75-80% of the time]
🎁 Special events (especially the upcoming holidays!) [know who is preparing what, if you're traveling, how much time and what to bring/pack]

The more you can prepare your kids and yourself for upcoming temporary changes, the easier it will be to transition between activities with (hopefully) less stress (and less meltdowns).

Anything I’m forgetting? Do you find anything especially challenging when guests visit?