I can tell you it won’t necessarily be fun at first. And it does take a little bit of time each week to plan ahead and then fill in your daily tracker.
But when you think of the long-term benefits, I can promise you it will be worth it.
The holidays are rapidly approaching, and soon, we’ll share laughs while enjoying the festivities with our loved ones. Before the celebrations begin, you must prepare your home for visitors, especially if they stay overnight. While spending time with loved ones is an essential part of our Foundational Dimension, it can be stressful whether it’s your in-laws, best friends, or distant cousins coming to stay with you. You want to leave a good impression, but how do you ensure everyone’s needs are met, including yours? Here are three tips for setting yourself up for a meaningful holiday where you can focus on connecting rather than last-minute hosting duties. STOCK UP ON YOUR GUESTS’ FAVORITES Have you ever stayed with someone who didn’t have extra food for their guests? Don’t put your guests in this situation. Load up your pantry, refrigerator, and cupboards with your guests’ favorite foods and drinks. If you don’t know what they are, ask ahead of their visit! Your guests will appreciate your conscientious gesture and have a much more enjoyable time if they can eat their favorites while visiting. PREPARE A GUEST ROOM If your guests are staying with you, you need to prepare somewhere for them to sleep. Make sure you make up the bed, have plenty of pillows and blankets on hand, and provide adequate closet space for their clothes. Even if they aren’t staying in a traditional bedroom, their sleeping area should still be ready when they arrive. Clear off a table for them to use as a nightstand and put sheets on the couch or mattress where they’ll sleep. USE REAL DISHES When we have company over for a meal, especially a large gathering, it’s usually easier to use plastic or paper options — saves on cleanup, too! The holidays are not necessarily the time for this shortcut. Break out the fine china if you have it, or use regular dishes for your guests. It’s okay for the kids to have paper plates, but if you want to make a good impression on visiting adults, nicer dishes will dress up the table setting and meal. With these tasks taken care of, you and your guests can focus on what really matters: building your Foundational Dimension by reconnecting and strengthening your relationships. IMPRESS THE GUESTS WITH THESE HOLIDAY HOSTING TIPS
This time of year is an especially perfect moment to focus on this exercise.
It’s a season of renewed spirituality and contemplation. We often feel excited to love more, do more, be more. So, take this opportunity to make your aspiration, inspiration, and motivation
fuel you to live the life you truly want to live.
–Doug Andrew
FUN FOOD IDEAS
ASIAN CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
This recipe offers a delightful twist on a satisfying pasta salad, a delicious addition to your holiday get-togethers!
INGREDIENTS
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2 chicken breasts, diced 1 pkg bow tie pasta 3 small bags of fresh spinach or (1 1/2 large bags) 1 6-oz bag of dried cranberries (Craisins)
1/2 c chopped fresh parsley 1/4 c toasted sesame seeds 6 oz honey roasted peanuts
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Dressing •
3 11-oz cans of mandarin oranges, drained
1 c olive oil
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2/3 c teriyaki sauce
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2 8-oz cans sliced water chestnuts, drained 1 bunch green onions, chopped
6 Tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp pepper
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Grill or sauté the chicken. Cook the pasta and drain. Make the dressing and combine it with the chicken and pasta, then set in the fridge to marinate for 2 hours. Mix in the rest of the ingredients when ready to serve. DIRECTIONS
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