The holidays are a time of travels, when loved ones gather under the same roof to celebrate together. Whether you’re a guest or you’re the one extending the hospitality, here are some easy ways to keep the change from your daily routine fabulously fun!

• Make your guests feel welcome the moment they get to the guest room; leave them a small gift. The simpler the better – a picture drawn by your children, a small box of chocolates, a guidebook to a local art museum, or a vase of fresh flowers in the room.
  
  
• Accept help. Enjoy your company and their offers of assistance. Let them dry while you wash dishes – a great way to have a little quiet conversation. Have them pitch in by setting the table, or help decorate cookies.
  
  
• Make a plan.  Have a short list of fun ideas at the ready and your gang will get the most out of their day. Be flexible, but even the most basic of schedules will help the fun get going early!
  
  
• Play time. Visiting relatives can be tiring for the little ones so be sure to schedule some down time when they can be free to just play. Children generally love showing off toys, rooms, and everything else, so go along with them and have fun!
  
  
• Meal planning. Large gatherings require solid prior planning. But that doesn’t mean that dinner has to be difficult! Check out some suggestions for how to hold food so dinner comes together on time or check out our meal planner.
  
  
• Let others entertain you. Go see a new holiday release, or go to your child’s holiday recital at school. Visitors will appreciate a little private time for themselves, too.
  
  
• Play outside. Sure it’s cold, but there’s no better time for team sports than the holidays. With all your family and friends in town there will be just enough for a touch-football or softball match-up. Be sure to let the kids in on the good times too!
  
  
• Take advantage of the extra pairs of hands. Bring or send your visitors on errands around town—sort of like a fun little scavenger hunt that helps get dinner on the table. This will let you get your errands out of the way while they can explore your town.