I am welcoming today a guest blogger who just happens to be the author MJ O'Neill whose book I am spotlighting. Welcome Ms. O'Neill. Take it away!
~Michelle, Reading Authors Network
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Harmony Holt's Holiday Survival Guide: Tips from the Innkeeper Who's Seen It All (Including the
Occasional Zombie)
Howdy, y'all! Harmony Holt here, coming to you from the cozy heart of The Second Chance Inn, the B&B
that’s seen more drama than a soap opera marathon and more unexpected guests than a Thanksgiving
Day Parade. And I'm not just talking about the two-legged variety—though trust me, I've got stories. But
since it's the season of cheer, let me impart some hard-earned wisdom on how to survive the holidays
without turning into a zombie yourself.
Tip #1: Deck Those Halls... Strategically
Decorating is a must. A sprig of holly here, a string of lights there, and before you know it, you’ve got a
place cozier than a kitten in a yarn basket. But remember, strategic placement is key. Keep the pathways
clear—because nothing says "bah humbug" quite like tripping over a rogue tinsel strand when you're
carrying a tray of hot mulled cider. And folks, take it from me, if you’re decking the halls with boughs of
holly, maybe check they’re not the kind that attracts festive, undead gardeners. Just a heads up!
Tip #2: The Early Bird Gets the Turkey... and the Sanity
Do yourself a favor and start your holiday prep early. And I'm not just talking about cooking—though
getting a head start on those pies never hurts. I mean making lists, checking them twice, and perhaps
even thrice. Who's coming? What are they eating? Any allergies or dietary requirements? And no, a fear
of being in close proximity to cranberries because they’re "suspiciously bouncy" doesn’t count, Aunt
May.
Tip #3: It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like Christmas
Nothing says holidays at an inn like the smell of cinnamon and pine wafting through the halls. It’s
soothing, it's festive, and it covers up the less appealing odor of Mr. Henderson's annual attempt to fry a
turkey... indoors. So, get those scented candles burning, the potpourri... potpouring, and maybe leave
out a bowl of peppermints to keep everyone's breath minty fresh. Trust me, no one wants to face a
garlic-breathed guest in the mistletoe corner.
Tip #4: Don't Let the Carols Carol On... and On
Music sets the mood, but a loop of "Jingle Bells" can drive anyone to feel like they're in a zombie
apocalypse after a few hours. Mix it up! Throw in some jazz, some classics, and maybe a rock tune here
and there. Keep it low enough that it invites a hum but doesn’t drown out Aunt May's controversial
opinions on fruitcake.
Tip #5: Not All Gifts Need Bows
Remember, the best gifts don't always come wrapped in shiny paper. Sometimes, it's the gift of a
listening ear or a shoulder to lean on. In my inn, we've seen the miracle of an impromptu therapy
session between strangers turn into a lifelong friendship. And in rare cases, I’ve seen the right words
revive a spirit more effectively than any zombie antidote.
Tip #6: Prepare for Invasion
Guests come with appetites, and I don't mean just for your famous eggnog. Prepare extra, because just
like preparing for a zombie horde, you never know when you'll need those surplus snacks and drinks to
keep the living room peace. Having a stash of cookies can diffuse even the tensest holiday standoff.
Tip #7: The Best Defense is a Good Offense
When hosting, always have a game plan. Know your exits, keep the pathways clear, and have a broom
handy—not for flying, my witchy friends, but for sweeping up the inevitable pine needle drop. And if an
actual zombie shuffles in, seeking the seasonal scent of brains over brawn, a swift guide to the nearest
exit (or push out of it) is your best bet.
Tip #8: Tackle Tinsel-High Energy: Kid-Proof Your Holiday Haven
Folks, let's talk tiny humans. We love them, but during the holiday season, they can turn a quaint
gathering into a full-blown, sugar-fueled, toy-scattering frenzy. The Second Chance is all about that
magical blend of peace and joy, so here's how I kid-proof my space and keep those cherubs cheerful
without dialing down the holiday spirit.
Engage in Festive Crafts: Set up a little workshop at the kids' table—think of it as Santa's
annex. Stock it with color-your-own ornaments, cookie decorating kits, or simple
gingerbread houses. It'll keep their hands busy and their imaginations alight. Plus,
nothing tires out a tiny tot like a burst of creativity!
Holiday Scavenger Hunt: Nothing says "silent night" like sending the kiddos on a merry
mission. Create a holiday scavenger hunt with little clues hidden throughout a
designated kid-friendly zone. They can search for the next clue on the back of a candy
cane or underneath a Santa hat. And the prize? Perhaps a reading of their favorite
holiday story or a special screening of a classic holiday film—zombie-free, of course.
The Chill-Out Corner: Even the jolliest junior can get overwhelmed by all the festivities.
Designate a cozy corner away from the clatter where kids can unwind with holiday
books, puzzles, or coloring pages. Throw in some comfy cushions and a string of soft
fairy lights for that enchanted, calm-down vibe.
Remember, when the wee ones are engaged and their energy positively channeled, the
adults can clink those Zombtini glasses in peace, all the while keeping an affectionate
eye on the elfin excitement. After all, a peaceful inn is the ultimate holiday melody.
Tip #8: Remember the Reason for the Season
Lastly, amidst all the chaos, take a moment to remember why we do all this in the first place. It's about
togetherness, about spreading love and joy, and about making memories that'll last longer than that
fruitcake from three seasons ago. So breathe in, breathe out, and find your inner peace—even if it’s in
the pantry with the door locked for five minutes.
Now, armed with these tips, you're as ready as you'll ever be to tackle the holidays head-on. Whether
you're an innkeeper, a guest, or just someone who loves the festive season, remember to take a
moment for yourself, too. After all, it's hard to be the life of the party if you're feeling like the Deacon of
the Dead inside.
Happy Holidays, folks!
MJ O’Neill is an award-winning author, entrepreneur, and literacy advocate.
Her love of mysteries started as a dyslexic child who relied on Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden to get through the dreaded book report. Now, she is a fierce advocate for literacy and stands firm against literary censorship.
Her professional writing adventure began when she owned a chocolate factory where writing mysteries was a safer bet than “murdering customers”. Currently, you might spot MJ rambling around the Pacific Northwest in her jeep, with her teenager and fierce Yorkie, on the hunt for bigfoot and her next captivating tale.
Author Links
Website: http://www.mjoneillauthor.com
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