Taking on the task of Holiday Hostess is not for the fainthearted.  The requirements are stringent and it calls for both a sturdy but bright disposition and a strong back.  Please look below for a detailed description before applying for the position.

1. Make sure there are enough beds for all the visitors who will be spending the holiday with you.  This includes enough pillows, blankets, and clean sheets.  You will need to figure out who can sleep in which rooms and decide which guests will fit in which beds.  Note:  Guests who exceed 6′ in height do not fit on full size mattresses (but they may have to anyway).
2. Box and remove items like books, collectibles, and excess clothing from the rooms which will now be in use by guests and hide it all in the attic or basement.  Remove any weapons (like my son’s air soft rifles and WWII souvenirs), pointy objects, and other dangerous items, especially if your guests include children.
3. Plan the meals ahead of time and always make extra.  This can be particularly tricky if you don’t have enough refrigerator/freezer space.  A minimum of two refrigerators/freezers is suggested.  Monitoring this space is of crucial importance!  You must be able to defrost in the proper amount of time so that all the work you did to prepare for the week is not under-minded by frozen turkey or ham.  Meals needing to be prepared in an oven will also have to be scheduled according to cooking time, temperature, and oven space.
4. Carry the tubs of decorations in from the shed or garage and decorate every inch of the house.  In order to do this, you will again have to box up the items that are usually on display so that there will be room for the holiday decoration.  The key here is to not forget where you put the items that have been temporarily displaced so that you can replace them after your guests leave.
5. Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead.  You may need to organize a car service so that your guests can get to and from your house, as well as, to and from any organized events that have been scheduled for the week.
6. After you have completed all the above, be able to change any set plans at the last moment when someone suggests going out to a restaurant for a last-minute meal (move the meal that was prepared back into the freezer) or you may have to find more chairs and tables to accommodate additional unexpected guests at the spur of the moment.  Be prepared for everything and anything, because you are not in control of the week no matter how much you think you are.
7. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy your company and the holiday!