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Let’s be honest. The holiday season is supposed to be about enjoying the family and spreading cheer, but doing so can often be stressful! Planning a party can be a stressful event, and when you add family (especially in-laws) into the picture it can sometimes create a stressful environment in what should be a festive event. However, with a little extra planning you too can have a perfect holiday party.

When considering how to plan a Christmas party that will include a large number of many family members, you should start with what you know. For example, if your dad does not get along with your father-in-law at all, then do as much as you can to keep them separated, especially at the table if you will be having a sit down dinner.

Wine and spirits sometimes make people behave badly, so consider limiting the bar. If you are having a holiday party of this type, consider a coffee and eggnog bar with different liqueurs and creams for everyone to taste. If anyone asks tell them that you are trying out a different Christmas party theme including different refreshments.

Holiday party ideas of this type also need special planning when it comes to the menu, as some people have very strong likes and dislikes. However, this sometimes is a positive when it is a party that involves family. You already know up front what most of the people do and do no like and if you cannot work around that, or if you are worried that both mom and mom-in-law are going to be offended that you did not use their great stuffing recipe, then just come up with an entirely new and different menu. Just make it completely different than anything that has been served before, other than the basics of course. In this way no one can be upset that you did not include this or that with your dinner.

Giving gifts to each and every family member at your Christmas party can be expensive. As well, there is always the chance that someone will not like what they receive or that they may think someone else got something better; however childish this may be. If you feel this may be a problem, then you can give them all something similar like some homemade goodies, or you can let the kids open theirs gifts during the party but give the adults their gifts as they are leaving, so that they can open them at home. This should help avoid any unpleasant situations during holiday parties, at least when it comes to the gifts.