If you weren’t the host this weekend, did you thank the one who opened their home to you? Even if you brought lots of food, the one who cleaned the bathroom deserves the thanks, I think, especially on this weekend of all weekends.
On the drive home from my parents last night, one of the topics of discussion with Plays with Fire was the holiday party we want to host this year. I have hosted many over the years and know how much work they are. And I’ve learned to really think about the guest list and make sure my expectations match the reality of who’s coming. I told him honestly, “I just want to celebrate with a few friends who really appreciate what we do.”
It takes so little. Prompt RSVPs. A simple hostess gift or quick thank you note. Showing up on time. These simple courtesies equals a gracious guest.
I hope all of my American readers were able to spend some of this weekend with family. I know it isn’t always easy. Personally, I am able to go home to a house where my parents have lived for almost 30 years. The small family of my youth has grown to eleven members and we’ve already pretty much past the toddler years of the third generation sans one. We have a great deal to be thankful for. Every year has not been perfect, as no family is, but the sense of connectedness grows more each year we gather together. (I also give a lot of credit to the prayers of those in the oldest generation for keeping us together).
Thanks so much, Mom and Dad for a wonderful day together.
Next time my husband and I have a get together I am going to remember your words from above, “I just want to celebrate with a few friends who really appreciate what we do.”
Thanks for the reminder! We just moved here and I’m only just getting to now my aunt and cousins that live here. But they are all very generous hosts, and won’t let us do ay clean-up! My parents are moving here next month, it will be nice to have real family holidays again.
You’re welcome. We’re so blessed to have all our children and grandchildren close by for holidays and everydays. The best gift one can ever give is the gift of oneself.
That’s a lovely, lovely photo. Thank you for sharing! And thank you for the post about writing thank you notes! My husband and I celebrated quietly together, and I actually put a “thank you” note in the mail to him today! 🙂
It’s a whirlwind on holidays. One family member tends to get really stressed, but also tends to be the most generous. If we all make it to the actual Thanksgiving day, then all is quite wonderful. As was the case this year. Then, how dumb I can be, I brag about how I have improved about getting tense right before a get-together. My foster daughter is 25 and got the brunt of my abrasiveness years ago. Now, my biological family of 9, gets a calmer, gentler spirit…..except for yesterday. The DAY AFTER Thanksgiving was my turn to host my parents, my sister and her family, as well as the 9 of us AND my foster daughter with her beau. All this in 925 sq feet! How could this happen? We had a delightful time and the food was spectacular. The weather was perfect for spending most of our time outside….however……I GOT STRESSED! I managed to yell at my foster daughter. Just wanted to make her feel like old times or something. UGH! So much for bragging…..and perhaps…..two days of festivities in a row….with three kids 4 and under is a BIT MUCH! Thank the LORD my daughter accepts apologies and will visit again after a while. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD, and all others are welcome, but don’t expect perfection, or clean floors, or uncluttered dresser tops. Expect good food, laughter, and possibly, in my case, apologies!