It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we try to pack every friend and estranged family member into one tiny room and feed them until they can’t move. In theory, this should be a pleasant time of year, but in reality, there are tons of things that can go wrong.
If it’s your turn to host the holiday get together, then this list will save you some time and trouble (and possibly even a little family drama) in the event something goes awry.
1) Have a Spare Bird
I burn food. It’s like my own special anti-cooking gift. Last year I ruined the turkey to the point my younger brother told me never to cook turkey again (and he’ll eat anything).
Having one turkey for the table is usually enough to satisfy the family, but you might want something else in the fridge just in case you drop, burn, or otherwise mangle it.
Purchase a small, pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. It’s a cheap and quick fix in the event you ruin the big bird.
2) Have Extra Gifts
How many times have unexpected friends or relatives given you a gift and you had nothing to give them in return? Three times? Four? Well, let me tell you it happens in my family every year.
It begins like this. My mother tells us that “We aren’t celebrating this year, I’m too broke.” We all nod and agree and say “No problem, we’ll come see you and just hang out for the day”.
Then, every year she gives us gifts. Now, up until this point I have been the giftless child (much to my brothers’ annoyance) making a mad dash to the gas station for gift cards to present to my family members (you know, the ones who claimed we weren’t doing anything this year).
Do yourself a favor and just purchase extra gifts. Avoid this parental holiday trick. One boy and one girl gift should do fine. Something suitable for all ages is best, perhaps a pretty scarf for her and some warm gloves for him. Wrap them up sweetly, mark them “Boy” and “Girl” appropriately, then put them in your trunk in case of “no gift” holiday emergencies.
3) Buy an Air Mattress
The air mattress is an absolute must. There is always at least one straggler among the lot. Sometimes it’s the friend who had a little too much to drink, sometimes it’s the family member who had a cancelled flight due to the weather. This is probably the most common holiday emergency situation, and the easiest to prepare for.
At some point this holiday season, someone’s going to need to stay the night at your place. Save your couch and buy an air mattress and spare sheets. They don’t have to be anything fancy, just something convenient for your stray human to sleep on.
4) Get Supplies
It’s always the little things that drive us insane. It’s also the little things we seem to run out of the fastest. You can keep the chaos under control by just stocking up on supplies before your guests arrive.
When I say supplies, of course, I’m not just talking food. There are a number of things you’re going to want to have in your home just in case. First, make sure you have enough snack food. Yes, I know there’s already tons of food in your fridge and on the table, but people love to snack (especially kids). Stock up on quick and easy to clean munchies like popcorn and chips.
Also, make sure you have stocked up on regular household items. Do you have enough coffee, wine, paper plates, paper towels and toilet paper?
Finally, get things that your family might need so you can avoid those late night rushes to the store. A bag of diapers and wipes for family or friends with babies is a must. Also, a box of Band-Aids, cough syrup, and hand sanitizer will keep you from any kind of minor medical issue (and possibly keep you from getting the flu your cousin’s getting over).
5) Have Movies, Games and Kid-Proof the House
I was told by my dad when I had my kid not to child-proof my house, but to house-proof my child. This was excellent advice and I’d recommend it to any parent.
However, not all kids are as house-proof as you might want them to be. If you’re not used to having small children running around and tearing through your home like little tornadoes, you might want to prepare yourself for the worst.
Anything that can be broken, and is especially important to you, should be moved into your off-limits bedroom or placed on a high shelf in your home. Also, if you have sharp edges on your tables, try moving the table into another room, or padding them with a little bubble wrap and duct tape. I know…it’s definitely not stylish, but it will save you some Band-Aids and a possible emergency room trip.
Finally, the last piece of advice I have for avoiding holiday emergencies is to stock up on kid friendly games and movies. I like to refer to these items as “distractions.” Be warned, noisy games will cause you to drink more wine.
Having family around is a joyous occasion. However, having family and friends inside your home while you’re trying to cook, clean, and control the chaos can be a little daunting (okay, it can be a down right disaster).
You can easily avoid holiday emergencies by being patient, stocking up, and being ready for anything. You’re preparing yourself for a battle zone, and you’re about to be on the front line. Remember, survive the holidays, and you don’t have to worry about this madness for another year.
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