It’s that time of year - the time for holiday gatherings. If you are having one at your house, do your planning by acting like a journalist who is writing an article. Ask yourself the 5 W’s: Who? What? Why? When? and Where?

Start with Why?
Why do you want to have the gathering? Is it because you are the oldest and think you are the one who should be gathering the family? Would it be okay with you if someone else did it? Would anyone else want to?

What?
What do you want to do? A cocktail party? An afternoon buffet? A sit down dinner? Does this depend on who you are inviting?

Who?
Do you want just immediate family? Do you want extended family? Where is the cut off? Who is in town or could cocme in?

When?
Is this going to conflict with other family parties/gatherings? Do you need a daytime or an evening? A weekday or a weekend?

In our house my daughter comes to us for Chanukah and her in-laws for Christmas, which is the weekend this year. Since I remarried and we are traveling to see my husband’s grandchildren for Chanukah, the date for Chanukah with my daughter and new granchild is planned around the other two events. So we start Chanukah in Virginia, then have it here and she can be with her in-laws for Christmas on the weekend.

Where?
Do you want it at home? Do you want to go to a restaurant? Does someone have a clubhouse available? Where do you want to have it, and how early do you need reservations?

Plan your holiday gatherings with the 5W’s and you will have more time to enjoy them.

Whatever you celebrate,

Happy Holidays.

Eileen Roth
Your Organizing Tour Guide

Print