Preparing for the holidays with relatives can be a lot like planning a house move. The closer you get to moving day, the more you realize that you just haven’t quite got everything ready or packed for the big day when the movers arrive. (And sometimes “the movers” are you.)

It’s not that much different when it comes to planning for holiday visitors.

Here we are days away from the 25th and the New Year, and we get the unexpected call about a cousin who is bringing a friend along this year for their seasonal stay. Or maybe we realized that the two grandchildren, both under 4 years old, may need just a bit more room than you had originally planned. And that closet you set aside for their suitcases is still filled with all those Christmas presents from last year you forgot to return or exchange.

Is the idea of being “chef for the week” not exactly putting you in the best holiday mood? What’s a holiday host to do? You realize that stuffing four people into your house is only going to drive you further apart from your relatives that you only get to see once a year.

Here’s your solution for your hospitality dilemma: Take advantage of the many hotels in the area that have special holiday rates for Moore County locals just like you through the “Room at the Inn Program.”

How’s that? Well, the local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has gotten together with area hotels and resorts and put together a smorgasbord of great lodging deals that are ideal for taking care of holiday guests. Then the good folks at The Pilot and Muirfield Broadcasting agreed to spread the word. A great idea was born, but more important, you got the answer to your December Dilemma.

So if that addition to your house you were planning didn’t happen this year or your aunt has to have a kitchen set up for her special dietary needs, don’t sweat it. Not only will you make life a whole lot easier for you and enjoyable for your guests, but you’ll also have a chance to show off what Moore County is all about with its great hospitality.

You can go the resort route for “Mr. Never Satisfied,” or how about a condo or suite hotel complete with kitchen for the gotta-make-it-myself relative. There is just about any kind of lodging option you could imagine, and it’s at a price that makes you think, “Maybe I need to get away myself and soak up some of this resort luxury?”

Let’s get these new plans started.

First things first. Where can I set up my in-laws so we keep the family relations in harmony? For all those great lodging options offered through the “Room at the Inn” program, go to the CVB’s official Web site, . Or call for the information at 692-3330. There is still room at the inn, so don’t waste another minute.

Now how about a meal or two out on the town at one of Moore County’s great eateries? Why should you keep your favorite restaurant a secret? Let’s face it; your relatives will much prefer, say, Chef Warren’s latest masterpiece vs. your overused meatloaf recipe. The CVB has a complete list of restaurants on line, and in a handy brochure.

If your guests arrived without completing their Santa list, don’t shame them. Take them forthwith to one of our unique shops or boutiques for a one-of-a-kind gift that will keep them smiling all the way back home to Chicago.

And if you’ve got kids coming to town and don’t have the foggiest idea what to do with them after Day 2, check on the CVB’s web site under “Kid’s Corner,” and you’ll instantly be the big hero with you grandchildren, cousins, etc.

And surely Uncle Ed needs to test out his new Titleist Driver here pronto. Get him out to the links to enjoy some of our great golf at a great winter season rate.

You get the idea: There is something for everyone in your family to do here. It just takes a little bit of advance planning, and now you have the resources to get right on it.

So what are you waiting for? Get on the stick and make this holiday season the best ever for you and your house guests. And like the good move, you’ll only have fond memories of your 2003 holiday.

By the way, all of us here at the Convention and Visitors Bureau wish you and yours (especially out-of-town visitors) the happiest of holidays.