Holidays are coming

Holidays (the non-vacation type) are a time for family, fun and Christmas music. Family can come for these events and some might overstay their welcome. If you find that you might need to get rid of some unwanted guests, here are some helpful hints.

"Lydia was occasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone to enjoy himself in London or Bath; and with the Bingleys they both of them frequently staid so long, that even Bingley's good humour was overcome, and be procceeded so far as to talk of giving them a hint to be gone." Pride and Prejudice

It has been said that fish and guest stink after three days. You might be more generous than that with company that you really enjoy. However, if it is that is not the case, and you are uncomfortable with them staying longer than three days, here are some helpful tips to nudge them out the door.

*Give them a hint. Sometimes this is enough, but most of the time it will just be ignored. If so, you must be prepared to escalate hostilities.

*Stop the party. Do not provide any enjoyable activities. No balls, no shooting, no amateur theatricals. They will go elsewhere in search of a good time.

*Go away yourself. Come up with an engagement of your own that takes you away from home. They can hardly expect to stay if you are not there.

*Frighten them away. Tell them that there is a putrid fever in the house. this is especially effective if the guests have children with them.

*Use a middleman. Why should you do the dirty work? Get someone else to inform the guest that they must leave in the morning. Put their bags in the trunk and be done with it.

If you are able to rid your household of unwanted guests, you will leave your guest bedroom open for the welcome guests like...