I have been thinking a lot about gathering as I prepare for all of my girls, their husbands, boyfriends, and dogs to converge for Christmas.

We haven’t all spent a holiday together in four years and it feels very special. I think when you aren’t able to be together it makes you appreciate those precious moments when the stars align and bring you all back to one place.

I keep referring to The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker because while I want it to be all the things, I mostly want it to be memorable, for all of us.

So, I set my intention which is to gather everyone in our family circle, to break bread with one another, share a toast, and shower our kids with the love we all have for them under one roof. I want it to be about the people gathered, not about the food, decorations, music, or the seven crazy dogs running around. 

Now, that being said, I believe you first must send clear, concise invitations with when the party begins and what to expect such as to wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater. I also believe you need plenty of great food and beverages, a warm, welcoming place to host with soft, holiday music playing in the background, and perhaps, in our case, a backup plan for when the dogs get out of hand. Did I mention there will be seven, crazy grand-dogs staying with us over Christmas?

Once I had my purpose for hosting this event, I got busy sending out quick text messages to our guests regarding the party and alerting them that an invitation would be forthcoming. It’s the holidays and I wanted to get our date in the books early. I’m also coordinating with the in-laws of my girls so I wanted to be sure that while we were including everyone, we weren’t stepping on anyone else’s holiday family plans.

Figuring out the rules of engagement was pretty easy. We just want everyone to show up on time, wear their ugly Christmas sweaters, bring an appetizer/dessert and of course, bring their holiday spirit.  

The rest of the responsibilities are now placed squarely on us. No pressure.

So, now we are working on seating arrangements for dinner which I will defer until we get RSVPs back, a menu, the space, and ways to usher everyone into our home while leaving the rest of the world behind. 

Let’s be honest, I don’t have the menu worked out yet. It’s a work in progress, but I do know that I need a couple of main entree selections as well as gluten-free options. I’m sure there are some other dietary restrictions that I have not considered yet but will be addressed before the event. I’m thinking Prime Rib, but also baked ziti, side dishes that are warm and cozy, but also options that are lighter like a great winter salad. Now before you roll your eyes thinking this is just all too fancy for you, I am also the one who will invite you over for the pizza that I ordered, a bag of salad, and a half-eaten bag of chips. I’m not fancy, I just occasionally pretend to be and this is one of those times.

Okay, so now that we all understand one another, let’s get on with this show, shall we?  

Let’s talk about making our space cozy and by space, I mean my home. Truly, the best time to throw a party is during the holidays because when else is your home bathed in warm light? The Christmas tree and a few candles are all the ambiance you need this time of year. I can check this off my list and move straight to one of the fun parts which is ushering your guests in while leaving the rest of the world outside.

How do you achieve a warm, enveloping atmosphere with the outside being left where it belongs; outside? Soft music, a glass of something sparkling, and an onslaught of people who haven’t seen one another in quite some time. There will be hugs and kisses all around, coats will be taken, dogs will be jumping and someone is sure to spill something within minutes of arriving. Who could be thinking of anything, but the crazy? I mean, the cozy warmth of a family Christmas party? Outside left outside? Completely achievable.

The middle is always where the good stuff lives whether you are talking about cookies, parties, or life and it’s where the memories are made. I don’t want to give too much away because my family is reading this and I like to keep their expectations low. Let’s just say that dinner will be served (see above) and I have an assortment of holiday-themed dishes mixed with simple white ones that I purchased from Goodwill (Don’t tell my mom because she always shudders when we talk about thrifting at Goodwill). I have holiday napkins, stemware, sparkles, candles, and festive drinks planned.

After dinner, there will be games, and let’s just say laughter is sure to ensue as these will involve awkward, full-body movements. And guys, to be clear, I am not a game person. However, I have seen some adult games over the last few years that I have imagined my family participating in and I am here for it. I am laughing just thinking about what I have planned.  

Now, Parker says you also must plan for an exit strategy, meaning how do we get these crazy people to leave when all we want to do is go to bed? Agreed. We have all been there. You have worked your butt off for days prepping for a party and now it’s done and you are yawning, but nobody is getting the hint that you need some Z’s. 

Well, because we are talking about THIS holiday party and not some hypothetical shindig, I am just going to say it. It’s going to end in a slumber party. It’s true. The kids are already staying here with their significant others, including the furry ones, and the invitation will be extended until morning. You heard it here, folks. We are having a grown-up slumber party, but if they don’t already have a bed here, they must let me know they are staying to be sure there is a bed or bring their air mattress. Don’t worry. It’s all good and I will make it clear that this is not a bed and breakfast kind of place. They can slumber here, but if they want food the next morning then they will have to drive their lazy bums two miles down the road to the King Soopers who will happily sell them donuts and juice.  

So, this is the plan; the great gathering, if you will. It’s the thing I have been looking forward to most, this last year. I already know that it won’t go as planned. This is how life works. There have already been tweaks and compromises and there will likely be more. There will be happy surprises and maybe some disappointments. Have we not been paying attention these last few years? Life has a way of going in the direction that it’s supposed to go. Funny how that works, isn’t it? For better or worse, this Christmas party has all of the makings of a memorable evening and perhaps, morning. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging. I will share photos and a recap in the New Year.