Get ready for a refreshing take on holiday hosting. This week on "The Grit Show," Shawna Rodrigues chats with the ever-inspiring inspiring Mara Derikx about easing the holiday mental load. Discover thoughtful tips for tackling tricky holiday hosting challenges, from managing the mental load to knowing what to let go of... and when to rely on options that are store-bought. Uncover the art of simplifying holiday dinners with clever meal-sharing strategies.

This episode also tackles the awkward realities of hosting, like stocking your guest bathroom and setting up effective food stations. Moreover, Shawna and Mara unpack the pressure-cooker of traditional expectations, urging listeners to remember what things bring them pleasure and reminding them you can find joy in small gatherings and smart task delegation. Tune in to transform your festive season into a meaningful, low-stress experience filled with genuine connections.

Mara offers a fabulous (and simple) holiday beverage recipe at the end of the episode and mentions a holiday challenge that you'll want to follow along on her Instagram to learn when it may start (will also update the show notes when the time comes!).

Mara Derikx, the Joyful Hostess, brings over 20 years of entertaining expertise to help others create memorable gatherings with less stress. Growing up in a family that celebrated every occasion, she discovered her passion for hosting early on. After spending nearly 15 years as a financial planner, Mara transformed her hosting philosophy to suit modern, busy lifestyles. She shares invaluable tips for decorating, time and money-saving strategies, organizational techniques, and crowd-pleasing recipes. Drawing from her experience hosting everything from intimate dinner parties to large corporate events, Mara teaches a simplified approach to entertaining that favors connection over perfection. Her motto, "less perfection, more connection," reflects her belief that life's too short not to enjoy your own party.

Connect with Mara -

Joyfulhostess.com

YouTube: @joyfulhostess

Instagram: @joyfulhostess