How to Host A Memorable, Low-Stress Christmas Gathering This Year

Christmas has always been a big day for my family.  Over the years, I’ve found that preparation is key to having a joyful, relaxing Christmas day!  Here are some tips for hosting Christmas, whether it’s your immediate family of 4, or a houseful of guests!

Set Up A Warm Beverage Station

In our house, Christmas starts early and is an all-day event! Having a beverage station at your house ensures family members are always hydrated and it saves you from running around to fill up drinks. We have a Keurig set up on our counter with a K-Cup carousel. I like to get several different coffee flavors to have options for my guests.  Since Keurig’s have a hot water setting, you can also set out hot cocoa packets (or hot chocolate K-Cups) for kids or non-coffee drinkers. Place coffee cups and sugar next to the Keurig and have creamer ready to go in the fridge. These festive Christmas tree mugs are a cute way to get in the holiday spirit, and these Christmas mugs with different designs ensure no drink mix-ups! Spice up your drink station with extras such as flavored syrups, Baileys or Kahlua, whipped cream and fun Christmassy stir sticks.   

Whip Up Some Easy Bites

I love hearty breakfast casseroles, especially ones that you can prep the night before. On Christmas Eve, prepare the casserole, store it in the fridge overnight and pop it in the oven first thing Christmas morning.  It’s nice to have a warm, comforting meal with minimal preparation to start your day! Dips, fruit or veggie trays and charcuterie boards are also a great way to make sure your guests have things to snack on throughout the day.  You can either make these items ahead of time or buy them premade at the store.  To support local businesses, Boards (located in Revolutsia) offers several different premade boards that are presented beautifully.  For some sweet tooth satisfaction, plan on having a variety of desserts available. There are many local bakeries around town that offer Christmas cookies, cakes, and other treats. If you are a baker, incorporate cookie baking and decorating into your Christmas family activities. Many cookies can also be baked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days.

Make It Easy with Festive Disposable Dinnerware

To avoid an evening in front of the kitchen sink, purchase festive paper dinnerware.  Party City has a variety of designs available to best suit your style. I especially love their silver and gold premium quality cutlery. You can still dine in style without overloading your dishwasher at the end of the day and it makes for a quick clean up around the house!

Don’t Forget the Bathroom

With all the eating and drinking on Christmas day, your bathroom will be a frequent pit stop! Help it feel tidy and festive with a few tweaks. Bath and Body Works has amazing foaming hand soaps that come in several wintry smells. Light a small candle on the bathroom counter to keep the room smelling nice.  Liven up the bathroom with soft Christmas hand towels, or you can get paper guest hand towels in a fun Christmas print.

You Have Permission to Delegate

Even though you are hosting, you still deserve to relax and enjoy Christmas too! People are always willing to help, but often don’t know what exactly is helpful for you. Don’t be shy to ask for specific things you need to ensure a smooth and joyful day for everyone.

Don’t Overplan!

Christmas can be a busy day full of activities.  Instead of a timeline for the day, choose the most important things to your family, but don’t put specific times on anything.  The day is much more enjoyable with spontaneity instead of stressing that things aren’t getting done on time. It’s okay if Christmas dinner doesn’t get on the table at exactly 4pm!  

Soak up the Quiet, Unplanned Moments

One of my favorite memories from my first Christmas as a mom was at the end of the day.  My husband, daughter and I took some time to snuggle on the couch in front of the tree.  It was nice to soak up some peaceful time as a family and see how mesmerized my daughter was by the twinkling lights on the tree.  Christmas is a magical, busy day but try to find time to take a few quiet minutes to yourself or with your little ones.

Lindsay Britton
Lindsay is a Kansas City gal who moved to Wichita in 2017. She has been married to her husband, Mike, since 2017. Although they attended the same high school they didn’t meet until their mid-20s. Formerly an Early Childhood teacher and curriculum consultant, Lindsay now stays at home with her daughter (July 2020) and is expecting a son (October 2021). She is also a mom to two fur baby Golden Retrievers. Originally from Michigan, Lindsay loves traveling and spending time outdoors. She is excited to navigate life with two under two and a large coffee in her hand!