Hosting the holiday chaos

It seems like every time my boyfriend, Brett, comes to visit, it’s this mad race to get everything ready, a flurry of activity the whole time he’s here, followed by a week or two of trying to catch up on everything I put off doing during his visit.

The last visit was a major camping trip. The time before that was a late Christmas, where I did the traveling. We spent a whole day at the Omaha Zoo and did some sightseeing around the city besides. It was still crazy, because travel takes almost as much planning, as hosting.

It’s not just my boyfriend, either. I’ve had friends come to visit and it is equally as chaotic. All the sightseeing just adds up to putting other, more responsible, tasks off.

I must say, my other friends tend to forget fewer things at my place afterward.

One time, Brett forgot a single sock, which I wrapped and gave to him as a gift the next time I saw him. Another time, he forgot his only winter coat at my place, in the middle of winter, so he was coatless when he drove home.

Last time Brett visited, he didn’t forget anything. It was a minor miracle. That is, until I realized he had inadvertently taken one of my books with him when he left. I still haven’t read that book, but he claims he is going to bring it with him when he visits. It won’t be long until we see if that comes to fruition.

The mad race to get ready portion of the hosting process has already begun. Brett is set to arrive in about a week, and it would be nice to get the table cleaned off, so we can both eat at it at the same time. And it would be nice to get the couch cleaned off so it is available for sitting on (a novel thought).

I should also probably wrap his Christmas gifts before he gets here, otherwise they won’t be much of a surprise. While I’m doing all that, I might as well get the Christmas decorations up. After all, if I wait until after our Christmas celebration, no one will be at my place to see them anyway.

I’m sure everyone else preparing for company over the holiday season, is in the same boat. My to-do list may, or may not, get completed in time.

Then, there is the mental preparation for all of the activities planned once he is here. A craft class, a Christmas parade, family dinner and opening gifts, game night with friends, you name it.

Then, Brett decided he wanted to try out aerials classes while he is here. He bought a four-class pack, which is a great way for him to try out four different types of classes, but we are going to be sore the entirety of his visit.

I’m going to need a stay-cation to recover from my stay-cation. Dishes, cooking and laundry never stop, and I’m sure our constant comings and goings won’t lend to keeping up with those tasks. Plus, I get to clean up whatever Brett forgot. My bets are on his towel and toiletry bag this time.

To all of you who are traveling or hosting this holiday season: have fun, stay safe and best of luck to you.