Simple Holiday Hospitality: Connection

In holiday hospitality, three little words bring such freedom.

Keep it simple.

These weeks are full of hustle and bustle and people are flying around from one activity to another.We are tired, we are stressed and many of us end up getting sick because we are not taking care of ourselves. We do not need one more event to attend or to plan.

If we are going to have people in our homes, why not offer them what they really want?

People want connection and long for face to face dialogue. People are hungry for real relationships, not another calorie filled holiday spread.

People do not want another plate of cookies or another five course meal. They do not need to see a home that is lit up with thousands of lights or hundreds of dollars of decorations. Most do not dream of another white elephant gift exchange or tacky Christmas sweater contest.

It is not about impressing, it’s about embracing.

It not about doing, it’s about being.

So, keep it simple. Offer a cup of coffee or hot cocoa and a comfy couch or a bar stool. Focus on the person who is sitting in front of you, turn off cell phones, computers, game systems and TV’s. Ask leading questions, “What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?” “What are you dreading as you face the holiday season?” “What was your favorite Christmas tradition as a child?” “What is the best gift you’ve ever received and why do you still remember it?”

Over the years, our Christmas “To Do” list has diminished. Twelve totes of Christmas decorations has been cut to six. We do not put up lights on the outside of the house and inside we keep things simple. We choose to stay home as much as possible and invite others to join us for an evening of dialogue, laughter, games, popcorn and hot cocoa.

Two simple questions are becoming guiding principles for our lives, especially during the busyness of the holidays.

What will bless? Do it.

What will stress? Don’t do it.

Perhaps the best gift we can give to anyone is an open heart and open door.