As the years pass, and families grow, so do their habits. This is particularly apparent during the holiday season. Though this time of year may be extremely busy and full of activites, some of them brand-new, most families have developed specific celebration routines which they follow, year after year.

With all of the pagents and events, the shopping and the parties, the season from October through December can be extremely hectic. Finding a routine for the constants of the season-when the tree is bought and lit, for instance, or when the Christmas cookies get baked-is a way each family can make the season pass more easily.

Every so often, though, a wrench can be thrown into a family's plans. Uncle Bob from Sacramento calls, in early December, to announce that he and Aunt Sally, who haven't seen the kids in three years, will be popping in for a visit, this Christmas. Because, after all, Christmas is about family, right?

Some families may actually be glad to hear the news that they'll be having guests for the holidays. But even the most congenial and welcome relatives will create a new paradigm in a family's Christmas routine. And, no matter what, that will add unneeded stress to the busy holiday season.

But most families, regardless of how busy they are, can't say no, when the call comes from relatives who would like to visit. They just grin and welcome their guests with as much hospitality as they can muster, even though it will mean adjustments they weren't counting on having to make.

Though someone may have to give up their bedroom to the visiting family, and though some holiday traditions may be altered, it's best to let out-of-towners know that, while they are welcome to be here, the family does Christmas a certain way. Visitors should respect the traditions of the host family and do their best to fit in, rather than be burdensome.

Christmas visitors, especially family members who may live far away, can make a welcome addition to any family's holiday celebration, as long as the visitors understand that their hosts have unique habits, routines and traditions that have developed, through the years, which help make the holidays as happy as possible.

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