The holidays are soon approaching, and we couldn’t be more stoked! The holiday season is filled with joy, excitement, and let’s face it… STRESS! Stress because if you are planning to have any sort of holiday party, you already know all of the ins and outs that go into making a good holiday party a hit. We’ve all been there! But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some practical ways to make your Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. holiday party a bit less stressful. Let’s get into it!

TIP # 1: Budget for what’s most important to you.

First things first, budget! When throwing a holiday party, a lot of times the excitement get’s in the way of reality and we tend to spend a bit more than we should on things we could have done without. For example, when you know that you are having 10 guests over for Thanksgiving dinner and end up grabbing the 35lb turkey instead of the 25lb turkey.… and nobody wants any leftovers! (Gee, thanks guys.) Or when you hire ”Santa” to your corporate Christmas party because you know that your co-workers kids are going to be there. But when jolly ol’ St.Nick arrives his beard is hanging ever so crooked and his demeanor is more like the Grinch. Budget to what suites you and your guests unique values and wants without wasting money on what doesn’t.

TIP #2: Give yourself a break.

This one is important to not only you but for your whole family and friend group. Creating a space that is relaxing and reduces your stress level helps out tremendously during this awesome yet hectic season. Lighting calming candles, listening to your favorite jams (even if they aren’t seasonal,) and simply creating distance between yourself and the chaos for a few minutes let’s you clear your head and start fresh.

TIP #3: Don’t over-indulge (this one’s tough!)

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sneaking in a few holiday goodies here and there. Good food during the holidays are some of the best parts! But as you know, what we put in we usually get out. If you’re like me and tend to stuff your face any chance you get during the holidays… then you know how lethargic and sluggish you can get afterward! Moderation is key here, so don’t be afraid to enjoy your food. Just don’t be like me and become Violet Beauregarde after every holiday meal. A good jog won’t hurt either.

TIP #4: It’s OK to ask for help.

It is definitely OK to not over book yourself with everyone else’s agenda. It’s also dually important to ask for help. We all know the loving mom, dad, relative or friend who tends to do most of the work themselves and rarely asks for help. If you are that person, it’s totally normal (and healthy) to ask for help. ”Many hands make for light work.” If you’re the bystander watching all of this happen, lend a hand. It’s tempting to let someone else do everything themselves especially when we just want to enjoy the moment…I get it. Be that guy or girl that makes that over-worked/over-stressed person’s day!

TIP #5: A Photo Booth never hurt to have too.

Sorry, I had to sneak this one in here….. sly, I know. If I’m going to tell you why a photo booth is a good idea I want to be realistic with you. One of the greatest arguments on why photo booths are a smart idea at any event is because they are designed to be a photographer. Wait, what? Yep! You heard that right. Photo booths when broken down, are simply the main (or extra) photographer so that you won’t have to worry about that one extra yet important step. Having a photo booth around creates an environment where your guests are free to take the pictures they want. What does that mean? It means that they are free to have the time of their lives without feeling embarrassed about it! This always results in pictures (or boomerangs, gifs, etc.) that you would have never otherwise captured had you pointed a camera at them. This also results in pictures you never knew you wanted, but now couldn’t live without seeing. But what about the people who want just a nice picture with their friend or family member? Don’t worry, the days of modest and beautifully simple photos has and never will get old. We absolutely love it when people want to hop into the booth for just a good ol’ picture with their mom and dad, spouse, etc. It reminds us why we do what we do… for a genuine and quality experience that friends and family can take home and cherish for years to come.