Hosting the Next Big Holiday? Here’s How to Keep Your Chill in the Chaos

Whether you volunteered or were assigned the job, it's official: you're the host for this year's holiday festivities. And even if you genuinely enjoy being the captain of the party, the planning process can incite some anxious feelings. Still, keeping your cool is within the realm of possibility, even for a host who has about 50 tasks on their to-do list yet to be checked off. Ready for a breather? We know a few habits you can work into your busy schedule that will make hosting a party feel more like a breeze and less like a tornado.

It may be a cliché, but taking a deep breath is a fast and easy way to keep your chill amid hosting mayhem. Between checking on RSVPs from family members who neglect their email inbox to organizing a secret gift exchange, you're most likely running from responsibility to responsibility without holding space to breathe. And if you feel like you're too busy or that time tends to get away from you, try blocking out a chunk of time on your calendar — it could even be three minutes — to sit quietly, breathe, and if you're feeling inspired, listen to a guided meditation. It might take some practice, but eventually you'll be able to focus more on the present moment rather than worrying about things that haven't happened yet.

If you're not a calendar person, an alarm may be your new best friend, especially if you tend to get lost in a to-do list. The Pomodoro Technique is a popular time management method for simple tasks like chores or answering an overflowing inbox, but it can be just as effective for party planning. This technique suggests setting a sequence of alarms for periodic breaks between intervals of work. For example, you focus on just one task for 40 minutes, then you take the next 10 to 30 minutes to focus on something else unrelated to the party.

These short or extended moments of reprieve are built to give your brain a break and promote chill. Sink into your couch and enjoy the comforting taste of Canada Dry Ginger Ale — this is your chance to ignore responsibilities and revisit that true crime series you keep forgetting to finish. Mentally clocking out while you scroll your FYP and bask in the crisp satiation of a gingery, bubbly drink is a kind of bliss not even a finished to-do list can offer.

Planning a party in a safe, comforting space is essential to keeping your cool. Try to create an environment where you can feel cozy and positive, not tense and burned out. Trade the harsh overhead lighting for the soft, mellow glow of candles. Turn on a playlist filled with upbeat pop bridges or soothing instrumentals. Change back into your pajamas — you don't need to wear jeans to call a caterer. And if you live in a place that's 70 degrees in winter, go outside and touch some grass. A generous dose of fresh air and vitamin D will do you some good. Suddenly, the pressure of making your grandmother's famous brisket doesn't seem so bad.

Expenses can be a huge source of stress while planning any party. On top of being the sole supplier for various party details — food, beverages, decorations, etc. — you likely still have to buy gifts, too. You need to actively track these added expenses, and this year, you might consider gamifying the experience. It can be as simple as creating a cute and functional tracker on your computer featuring color-coded categories or infographics to separate your usual bills from the unexpected costs that pop up as you're planning. Or, challenge yourself to a no-spend day or design a competition that tests your money-saving skills (bet you can't make those place cards for less than $20).

You can also take the advice literally and download an app that turns expense tracking into an actual game. Alternatively, you might opt for a more tactile method that includes making a budget binder to hold physical receipts. The binder also works for reserving cash for necessities like a fancy new decanter that you're convinced will be the centerpiece of the party or, you know, those aforementioned gifts.

No matter the size of the guest list, friends are there for you to lean on when you feel overwhelmed. If you can't get everything done before the big day, ask for help — don't wait for someone to offer. Enlist your best friend to track down all of the lingering unanswered invites or organize the games while you cook. Throwing a friendsgiving, but know you don't have bandwidth (and enough room in your fridge) to prepare appetizers, an entree, and dessert? Pivot to a potluck. Friends love to share their favorite dishes with their chosen family — and blending traditions makes the party more memorable. Worst case scenario: rely on a good ol' FaceTime or voice message rant. It can do wonders for host-related frustrations.