(1888PressRelease)
December 12, 2006 - Have we lost the real meaning of Christmas? When I was a child, I was excited about the process of spending time with family and gifts were not nearly as important as they are today. I grew up on a large farm in the Midwest and the whole process of Christmas did not start until the cows were milk, the calves and other animals were fed. Now we are gift, gift and more gifts concerned.
We prepared for the big day by baking for friends and family. My mother, sister and I spent hours making cookies, quick breads and gingerbread house. Today, we rush around trying to find the perfect gift when the perfect gift may actually come from your own kitchen and home. The meaning of Christmas is truly supposed to be LOVE, HOPE, and PEACE. It is a time to show those your neighbors, friend, co-workers, and family how special they are to you.
Throw a party. Open your home to your neighbors and friends. Parties do not need to be extensive. They can be simple and easy. The house does not need to be spotless. If anyone looks for dust bunny, friends should be ashamed. Decorations can be minimal, create a sense of warmth and hospitality by providing enough seating, soft mood music, several drink choices and of course food. I tell my clients to mark all food with small tags, that way they do not need to be near the table explaining what is on it. Be consciences of food allergies. I also advice my clients that they should either set up their own do it yourself drink area or designate a person who may not be quite as social to this detail. It helps them visit without being put on the spot and it leaves you to socialize with your guests, which makes them all feel more comfortable. My favorite way of handling the drinks is do it yourself. Have plenty of ice and a few recipes for specialty drinks in fancy frames so that your guests can whip up their own drink. My favorite drink is the Cosmo in a fancy glass. Avoid blender style drinks because they can create an annoyance.
As a party thrower and host coach, I tell my clients not to tell what they are making or doing for the party. I just tell my guest what they should bring, if you want them to bring anything at all and of course the type of dress. The worst thing you can do to your guests is not give them that detail and they come too dressing or to casual. This sets a mood of discomfort for the whole evening.
I also like the idea of having games available to be played if individuals need something to do. When you mix company, you will probably have some separation among the quests. People have a tendency of visiting with those they know. Come up with some icebreakers to easy this transition.
My wish for everyone this holiday season is to rediscover what the holidays are really about. Think about not buying gifts, make something homemade, wrap it up pretty, and give it to your love ones. If you really think about it a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies will be remember a lot longer than that just okay sweater you spent hours looking for.
