Page 34 2025 Home For The Holidays Lincoln Daily News Friends are the family you choose A friends’ Christmas homecoming has become a staple for many young adults returning to their hometowns for the holidays, offering a chance to reconnect, unwind, and share time away from the seasonal rush. But while these gatherings are beloved, organizing one often proves more challenging than expected. Successful hosting starts long before anyone arrives, and the difference between a cozy night and a chaotic one usually lies in the planning. The first step is simple: start early. A month ahead is ideal, but the earlier the better. December fills up faster than anyone likes to admit. People are traveling, visiting family, or juggling last-minute obligations, and an early plan gives everyone the chance to adjust. Shared calendar apps can save you from endless “wait, what day again?” texts; they allow your friends to see any changes instantly, freeing you from repeating the details over and over like a malfunctioning Christmas toy. Though communication should always be encouraged. Good communication becomes the backbone of the entire event. If you’re uncertain about anything — the time, the food situation, whether someone can bring extra blankets for your cold house, or if pets need to be kept separate — be upfront with your friends. Clear expectations prevent last-minute stress. A simple Google Doc can become a free hub of all information; from the general plan, to the menu, to the carpool situation. It can also be used to write out a “house rules” sheet that can be printed and placed near the entryway. It might feel formal, but it keeps everyone on the same page, and it prevents the same questions from popping up all night. Not every friends’ Christmas homecoming has to happen in the biggest house or the cleanest one — it just needs to happen somewhere that makes sense. The best hosting spot is usually the home with the most available seating, the least fragile furniture, and the person most willing to tidy a bit before and after. Sometimes that’s you, sometimes it’s the friend whose parents are out of town, and sometimes it’s whoever has the comfiest couch. Geography matters too; picking a house central to everyone keeps travel stress low and reduces the number of “Can someone pick me up?” texts. A good host location is less about perfection and more about accessibility, warmth, and a space where everyone feels comfortable dropping their shoulders for the night. One of the biggest hurdles is always the dreaded question of what to do. Asking “What do you want to do?” rarely helps — most people default to “I don’t care,” which offers nothing and stalls every plan. A better approach is to ask what people don’t want. It’s easier for most guests to give a list of dislikes than to brainstorm activities from scratch. Ask which foods people avoid and whether there are allergies or dietary restrictions. Find out which games they want to steer clear of, whether that’s long strategy games, chaotic card games, or anything that feels too competitive. Eliminating the “no” options
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