Whether you react with joy or dread when the holidays and all of its hosting rigors roll around depends on how well you prepare and plan for them. Unexpected guests may show up at any given time, whether they're brought along by other family members or friends, or they simply want to show up and extend their good wishes - or gifts - for the holidays. {relatedarticles}Regardless, they may throw a kink in your existing plans, but it's important to be gracious and try to extend that holiday spirit. Think of it as the more, the merrier - especially if they bring kids, who can keep your own children entertained. As the adults socialize, then it's a good idea to have a few activities on hand that the kids can work on and maybe even take home. Provide construction paper, scissors, double-sided tape, crayons, markers and holiday stamps - kids can fashion decorated strips of paper into chain links that can be used to decorate a tree. Keep your home at the ready by decorating with lots of "catchall" items, like decorative ottomans with hidden storage, baskets and bowls to catch clutter, such as keys and cell phones.
Keep antibacterial wipes under the sink in the bathroom for a quick swipe of the sink and toilet before guests arrive. Throw toys in the bathtub and draw the shower curtain to hide clutter. Guest soaps and towels, plus fragrant candles, create a nice atmosphere. {relatedarticles}For guests who bring gifts - or those who you simply forgot to add to your list - keep inexpensive but nice gifts, wrapped and on hand for giving. Wine works great in a pretty bag or just some tissue. Other items to consider might be baked goods, which can be frozen and defrosted quickly, or kitchen items such as towels, cookie cutters and serving pieces. For kids, buy a few extra board games as you're shopping for your own children. Many toy stores offer buy one, get one free specials at this time of year, which makes gift-giving during the holidays - and throughout the year - a cinch.