LM …

Clementines are in my Toolbox! Yes, I said it. Who knew? When did it come to be? I don’t remember. However, it always brings smiles when I share it, and for sure it’s helpful and you won’t forget it. In fact I just used it with my dad on the Holiday vacation. He kept reaching for them and ate them all week. And then went home to find them at his grocery store!

We all need a Toolbox for Life. They hold the little tidbits, hints, and shortcuts we have collected from those special people in our path.

My family get togethers always had some tension. Growing up we all coped with it in different ways. Fast forward several years and I started having bowls of Clementines around during get togethers. They are cute, abundant at the Holiday, an ever-so-cheery color and smell, and bursting with juicy deliciousness! Perfect for immunity and a boost of Vitamin C! (C-word anyone?!) And when your people are grooving into hanging out together again, they reach for that orange beauty to make a better selection to ease that tension. They are portable, great to bring for any time together, or even getting through a rough patch of life. And once you know, you know. 😉 You will look across that room with a twinkle in your eye and see that beautiful bowl of Cuties carefully placed for everyone to share! And mostly, the extra sparkle that you served up that no one may have noticed – it’s a gift!

KJ …

The first tool I look for is music. Music can change the entire vibe of a party.  Then I reach for my “mood lighting” tool – I turn down lights, put out warm candles and add some twinkle lights if I can. Sometimes softening the glow of the room can help soften behavior too!

Always have a plan B – So I don’t plan things out all that fully but I do have things put aside to pull out if there’s a lull or if things just start to go sideways. Puzzles are fabulous for this if you have the room. The first time I hosted Christmas with a large group I had little things set around the house in the areas people would be sitting. Anything from a deck of Uno cards, aforementioned puzzles, or even photo albums with old pictures to look through. Basically conversation starters.

Dogs can come in really handy if you need to just get a few minutes to yourself. Walking the dog gets you a little time to regroup as well as some fresh air and movement which is always a great  remedy for stress.

Finally – eat the clementines! Lots of people + holidays = stress (good and bad) so there is nothing like a sweet burst of vitamin C to keep our immune systems strong!

Your turn …

What are some tricks you’ve learned to help stay balanced when hosting or visiting over the holidays? Do you prefer being the host or the guest? I’m curious how many people stay with family or get a hotel when going “home” for the holidays?