The magic number for holiday hosting is finally here—and it’s shorter than you think

We’ve all been there. You enthusiastically tell your visiting relatives, “Stay as long as you want!” But deep down, you’re already calculating exactly how many days until you get your couch back. If you’re hosting family this holiday season, you’re not alone in wondering: How long is too long?

According to a recent survey, science has finally answered this age-old question—and working moms everywhere are breathing a sigh of relief.

The Six-Day Rule

A survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that most people are happy to host guests for six days. Any longer than that, and you’re officially entering “overstaying your welcome” territory. For busy working parents juggling jobs, kids’ activities, and the general chaos of daily life, six days feels just about right.

But here’s where it gets interesting: not all guests are created equal.

The Houseguest Hierarchy

Your Adult Kids: 10 Days
Parents are willing to extend hospitality to their adult children for up to 10 days. And let’s be real—most moms would probably be thrilled to have their kids around even longer. (Unless they’re moving back in “temporarily” with three suitcases and a suspiciously vague timeline.)

In-Laws and Extended Family: 5 Days
The survey suggests in-laws and other family members should keep visits to five days max. This shorter window makes sense when you’re trying to maintain household routines while also being “on” as a host.

Everyone Else: 6 Days
Friends and other guests fall into that sweet-spot six-day category.

When Hints Turn into Headlines

So what happens when guests overstay? The survey found that:

• 33% of hosts start dropping hints that it’s time to go
• 22% will directly tell guests they’ve stayed long enough

For working parents, this isn’t about being rude—it’s about survival. When you’re already balancing work deadlines, grocery shopping, soccer practice, and somehow fitting in quality family time, extended hosting can disrupt everything.

The Real Problem: Space (Not the Company)

Here’s the good news: 46% of people genuinely want to be the home where everyone gathers for the holidays. The issue isn’t that we don’t love our families—it’s that we literally don’t have room for them.

The survey revealed that 40% of people don’t have a dedicated guest room, meaning visitors are camping out on the couch. Imagine trying to maintain your normal evening routine when your living room has become someone’s temporary bedroom. No wonder six days is the limit!

Making It Work for Your Schedule

The survey notes that Millennials and Gen X hosts (that’s you!) face a unique challenge: inflexible schedules. You can rearrange things for a few days, but eventually, the normal responsibilities you’ve been putting off start piling up. Those Amazon returns aren’t going to handle themselves, and your kids still need to get to gymnastics.

Meanwhile, Gen Z and Boomers often have more flexible schedules, making longer stays easier for them to accommodate.

The Bottom Line

If you’re hosting this holiday season, remember: it’s okay to set boundaries. Six days is perfectly reasonable, and anyone who truly cares about you will understand. Your guest room (or couch) doesn’t need to become a long-term rental just because it’s the holidays.

And if someone does overstay their welcome? Well, you’re in good company with the 22% who believe in the direct approach. Sometimes “I love you, but I also love my routine” is the most honest gift you can give.

Source: Talker Research

What’s your houseguest limit? Are you Team Six Days or do you have a different magic number? Share your holiday hosting stories with us on the Froggy 102.7 app or social media—we’d love to hear from you!