Steve Caswell
Broker
Realty Executives of Sudbury Ltd.
The holiday season is here!
As we know, this is a time to gather with friends and family and celebrate everything to be grateful for and ring in the New Year with some cheer. This week, I thought I would share some little tips/reminders with you before you head out to all the festivities!
Take It “Ease”….
This time of year can be quite stressful for some and those family gatherings can occasionally turn a little tense. Always remember to relax and enjoy each other’s company and not sweat the small stuff. Keep the conversations light, positive and joyful. For some, this might be the only time you get to see that person, so kindness and sincerity will go a long way. You may not always agree on something, but really…. who cares! Just enjoy all that we have to be thankful for and these times we have together as not everyone is as fortunate as us.
Showing Up Empty Handed
You have been invited to a dinner or a party and you MUST bring something. Even if the host has said for you to not bring anything, they don’t necessarily mean it. Showing up empty handed – well - just isn’t cool! You can make an appetizer, bring a case of beer, bottle of wine, a desert item, etc. – something to add to the delicious spread that you know the host has been preparing for over the past few days.
Token of Appreciation
This can also be a time to bring a host gift. Always a nice gesture and will show how much you appreciate the invite! Again, wine is always nice, but you can add some flowers, a small gift like a nice scented candle (very important YouTube link below for some scented ideas), a thoughtful ornament for their tree, some goodies for the kids or even a toy for the pet.
Be A Santa’s Little Helper
Once you have arrived, say “Hi” to everyone, grab a drink, try the snacks and get into the festive spirit. But, don’t forget to offer to help! Chances are the host is going to say “don’t worry, I’m good”, but even just the act of asking or spending time to talk with them while they’re hunkered down in the kitchen preparing is very much appreciated.
Don’t Feed the Dog!
This has always been a big one for me and I make sure everyone knows the moment they walk in our door. If the host has a pet, DO NOT feed it unless you ask first. When I say ask, I mean asking the owner, not the pet! We all know the pet is 100% willing and excited to eat what you have to offer. But feeding a pet can make them sick, or worse, can be very dangerous as many items are unknowingly toxic to a pet. Better to be safe and stick to lots of pets and cuddles to show them you care as they’re probably already stressed enough with all the new faces barging through the door.
Dinner Is Ready!
At a big family dinner, complement how amazing everything is! Even if the turkey is a little dry or the cranberry sauce is a little runny, that meal was prepared with lots of love over many, many hours – even days in some cases. And it is usually scarfed down within minutes, so make sure to show some appreciation for all the work they have gone through and even provide a nice toast to the host!
Once everyone is done, again, offer to help. Better yet, just help in the cleanup without having to ask! If the host sincerely doesn’t want your help, they will let you know. But, by this point, they are usually quite exhausted and would probably love the extra hands. Even telling them to get out of the kitchen and go enjoy all the company time they missed before dinner while you and a couple of others take over could be the best Christmas present a person can give!
The Over The Top Yawn
Once everything is cleaned up, the full bellies are settling in and the after-dinner cocktails are being had, know when it is time to leave! Nothing could possibly ever explain this better than the Saturday Night Live commercial here. Watch for these signs!!!!
HAVE FUN SAFELY
The most important thing to remember this holiday season is DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! There are many options out there – taxis, public transit, ride sharing, etc. There are no excuses to drive while under the influence – none, zero, nada.
As the host, remember you have a responsibility and can be held legally responsible for your guests through Social Host Liability. When you decided to have everyone over, you also made the decision that you’re responsible for them to get home safely. Not a bad idea to have taxi phone numbers, bus schedules or even pay the sober teenager in the family to drive everyone home!
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES!
Don’t let the last paragraph dampen your spirits. Get out and have an incredible Holiday season while cherishing every moment and everyone you see!
The Caswell Team wishes you and yours a fantastic holiday season! But, even over the holidays, we're always here to help with anything you need. Never hesitate to reach out to us at caswellteam@realtyexecutives.com, check out all the Sudbury area MLS™ listings here, read our other informative and entertaing blog topics here or just browse our website over the holidays for tons of great info on buying and selling in the Greater Sudbury area.
Contributed by:
Michelle Caswell
Cell - 705.507.1229
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other salespersons, staff or affiliates of Realty Executives of Sudbury LTD. Brokerage, Realty Executives International, the Sudbury Real Estate Board, Ontario Real Estate Association, Canadian Real Estate Association or any of their subsidiaries. For any concerns pertaining to the content herein, please contact us immediately at caswellteam@realtyexecutives.com.
