It’s that time of year again; when you need a vacation from your vacation. While you love the holidays and spending them with family and close friends, you know it is not going to be relaxing.

And if you are one of the unfortunate home owners that happen to have a guest room or two, well then, you just opened yourself up to a self-invitation from in-laws and distant cousins.

Even if your house guest is someone you really want to spend a few nights and drink all your children’s juice and milk, you may quickly realize that the guest room has turned more into a bomb shelter.

The article, “Homeowners Lax On Guest Room Preparedness,” written November 14, 2006 by Broderick Perkins of Realty Times, provides ways to get your guest room back into accommodating shape because the holidays are stressful enough.

“A whopping 78 percent of all home owners expect overnight visitors during the year end holidays, but most of those home owners -- 75 percent -- are using that guest room as, well, a home depot.”

So, you have to put yourself in the position of your houseguests. While there would probably be no outright complains (except for Aunt Betty) about sleeping on an air mattress in the middle of the living room, your guests would much rather prefer the privacy and comfort of sleeping in their own room.

“The guest room is not a closet with a bed,” the Learning Channel's "Trading Spaces" designer Laurie Smith says.

Smith urges every homeowner to take a little time to get creative with the guest room and that you will be surprised at the positive reaction and feeling that is felt from your overnight companions.

There are a few ways Smith says that you can create a new room, sort of speak, on a budget that you may keep year round.

“Dump the dump. Completely empty the guest room and discard the clutter, allowing only the furniture back it to visualize the possibilities.”

Next, you should spend a night in your guest room. Pack an overnight bag and experience your own hospitality right down the hall (it may actually be fun). By doing this, you will know how your guest will feel when he or she stays in that room.

Once the basics are in place (furniture, sheets, etc.) it is time to add a personal touch. “Select a meaningful, inspiring accessory, piece of furniture or other item and build from there. For example, turn that child sized roll top desk into a vanity and create a reflective period room in hearty earth tones.”

Remember, do not have anything in the room that does not belong there. That’s how it became a dump to begin with. Create an appeal like you are trying to impress someone you barely know even if it is your sibling. They will appreciate the effort.

“Slather it on. Stain mismatched furniture to match. A pearl essence finish can make that old desk really glow. Toss in other odd, dated pieces that might be out of place elsewhere.”

You may also decide to paint the walls if they are worn or cracked but do not get carried away or spend too much time or money on them.

You just want to make your guests feel welcomed and comfortable, which will make them happier and thus make you happier, during the holidays.