Many people will have or be house guests this week. 

If you are hosting, think of a list of tasks you can pass on to guests who ask to help.  Make sure that they are in your comfort zone.  I, for example, hate having people in my kitchen while I'm cooking.  Needless to say, I'm not going to assign someone to prepare the salad.  Your list of tasks might include running to the store to pick up last minute items (such as ice), whipping cream, opening and pouring wine, holding and transporting platters, getting kids' hands washed and getting them to the table, clearing the table, doing dishes, putting leftovers away.  People are likely to ask what they can do.  It's wise to have some answers right at hand.

If you are a guest, offer to help.  And if the host says "no thanks,"  accept the response and get out of the way.  Sometimes, too much help is worse than not enough.    If you are staying for several days, please be a considerate houseguest.  Keep your room and the bathroom tidy. Pick up after yourself.  Entertain yourself and others.  Offer to provide a meal.

And if you are coming to Elf House, have a cup of mulled cider and make pleasant conversation in the living room.  Please.