Tips to Stay Sane During Holiday Hosting

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Notes from Tanglewood Hideaway: Brown County Highlights – This is a weekly email I send sharing things to do, local updates, and ideas for everyday life in Brown County. 👉 [Join the newsletter here]

Sunset over rolling hills in Brown County with silhouetted trees and glowing clouds. Text reads Notes from Tanglewood Hideaway Brown County Highlights.

Feeling the holiday hosting craziness? I’ve been there. Here are my tried-and-true tips to save your sanity.

The holidays are here, and let’s be honest—it’s easy to feel more frazzled than festive. Whether you’re hosting a house full of people or just trying to keep everyone happy, it can be a lot.

I get it. I’ve planned and hosted many personal events and trips myself, and at the Barn Burner, I’ve hosted over 500 groups since we opened in November 2020—ranging from small 2-person groups to 29-person family reunions.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned through everything, it’s this: a little mindset magic goes a long way in making gatherings not just manageable, but truly memorable.

Here are a few tricks I swear by:

1. Choose connection over control.

Stop trying to orchestrate the perfect day or dinner—it’s not worth the stress. Trust me, no one remembers if the napkins were folded just right or if dinner started 20 minutes late.

What they do remember are the little moments: a laugh around the table, a heartfelt conversation, or the kids running circles around the yard. Those messy, real-life memories are the ones that stick.

(And speaking of moments that stick, I’m sharing a freebie to help you spark fun, low-stakes conversations around your table this year—read on to the end!)

2. Make space for everyone to breathe.

Not every moment needs to be a group activity, and that’s okay (yes, even if it’s a holiday).

Let people wander off for a quiet walk, read a book, or just enjoy some downtime. If you’re hosting, consider designating a “quiet zone” in your home—a cozy corner with blankets, pillows, or a chair where anyone can go to recharge. It’s amazing how quickly the energy shifts when overstimulated kids (or adults) get a little break.

Bonus tip: Suggest some low-pressure solo or small-group activities, like a puzzle or a stroll, to keep things flowing without adding to the noise. Need ideas? I share our favorite low-key, chill games in this post – or get one of our absolute favorite, mind-boggling puzzles here.

3. Slow it all down.

Instead of cramming your schedule with a dozen activities, pick just a couple of meaningful ones to enjoy together. Whether it’s a shared meal, a favorite family board game, or a short hike, leaving more space in the day helps everyone stay present and relaxed.

Plus, with a lighter schedule, there’s more room for unexpected moments of joy—like an impromptu dance off or just sitting by the fire swapping stories. The less you pack in, the more you’ll savor what really matters.

4. Don’t underestimate the power of “outside.”

Seriously. Kids (and adults) always seem a little less loud and a lot more cooperative after they’ve had some fresh air.

Where I’m at in southern Indiana, tomorrow’s weather looks chilly, but don’t let that stop you. Send a quick text now reminding parents to bring coats, hats, and gloves for their kids.

While you’re at it, ask everyone to pitch in with any hot chocolate packets they already have at home. After the kids (or adults) run around, a warm-up treat will feel like magic.

And hey, if your Thanksgiving isn’t exactly “zen,” there’s always next year to plan a getaway somewhere special—maybe even Brown County. 😉

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday – and remember, you don’t have to go far to get away,

Kara

And P.S…A special gift for anyone who’s stuck around until the end.

My family loves “Would You Rather” and other fun conversation starters—it’s gotten us through long road trips and countless family dinners. That love inspired me to create custom napkins featuring questions that spark meaningful, low-stakes conversations, which we use at home and at events we host at the Barn Burner.

This year, as a thank you for being here, I’ve narrowed down my favorite 200ish questions into a printable format, perfect for sparking connection around your table this holiday season.

Whether you’re gathering with loved ones who adore each other or need a few icebreakers for sticky pauses, this list is designed to work for all ages (and is completely non-political).

Eventually, I hope to have the napkin bundles available for purchase, but for now, I’m sharing this list as a free gift to say thank you for your support of our businesses.

👉 Download the Questions & Discussion Topics Here