As many of our clients think about downsizing they find that they are worried about ‘who will host Christmas’. In fact, most of the time our clients have been hosting Christmas for many more years than they should have been, just because they have the largest table, but it has been very stressful and tiring for them. So, whether you need to change things as you’re getting more tired, or you live somewhere smaller, what can you do to make it work for you?
Limit the number of nights family are staying.
Ask guests to make and strip their own beds, doing the washing before they go; or if they are arriving in their own car, bring their bedding with them.
Ask family to cook Christmas lunch at your house.
Go to a local pub for lunch. If you can afford to pay, why not suggest that it’s your treat? Family can ferry you to and fro! You don’t actually have to do this on Christmas Day, and if you have already downsized, this solves the problem of space. You would of course need to think about booking early though, as venues get booked very early for the Christmas period.
Have a buffet Christmas at your new smaller home, with each person bringing a dish, so that you can all be together. Don’t be afraid to put a time limit on it.
If you can travel (and would like to do so), go and stay with your family and be thoroughly spoilt!
On the other hand, you may like to find something local that caters for older people on their own. Alternatively, perhaps the idea of spending Christmas on your own is quite appealing, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it may well be nice to have a peaceful day!
If you want help getting organised for Christmas, do get in touch with us!