Hosting and Holidays: Why This Time of Year Can Be Both Amazing and Stressful

Happy November! This month has me thinking about holidays and time spent with family. Since August, we’ve had well over two months (when combined) of company in town. From a week and a half to three weeks, we’ve spent lots of time catching up with siblings and in-laws who don’t live locally. After a year of very little hosting, it’s been wonderful to see loved ones again, give extra long hugs, and make new, fun memories in beautiful Santa Barbara. While it’s been so joyous, it’s also been a bit overwhelming, and I think as the holidays rapidly approach, a lot of people will be able to relate.

I am thrilled when friends and family visit Santa Barbara. In fact, I think if you put roots down in S.B. you are automatically signing up to welcome future visitors. I swear that there’s an invisible dotted line that is signed whenever you lock down a lease or mortgage here. If you live near the beach or the Funk Zone, you may inadvertently achieve super host status. I’m joking, but I understand why people may want to stay a while (I’m certainly not going anywhere). I also frequently, and not so subtly, suggest that friends and family members move here too — what a dream to have all of my favorite people in my hometown. Until this fantasy becomes a reality, I know we will continue to see lots of repeat visitors.