Why do people always get stressed at the holidays?

Is it the rush to get everything done? Is it wanting everything to be “perfect”? Is it having to deal with family members that know how to push our buttons? Most likely it is a little of each.

What can you do to have a  stress free Thanksgiving dinner?

Here are a few simple tips to help you have a more enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner.

Plan Ahead

Plan your work, then work your plan.  You’ve heard it a thousand times before.    Instead of doing it all yourself get your family to help out.  The work will go faster and it’s just more fun when you are working together.  Make a list of what needs done before everyone arrives.  Give everyone something to do and assign things that are age appropriate to the children.  Before you know it, the leftovers will be wrapped in foil and everyone will have had a great time.

Pot Luck, Anyone?

If you are having a large group get together for Thanksgiving ask each family attending to bring their favorite dish and a dessert.   Since you’re hosting this shin-dig you should provide the main dish (turkey or ham) and the drinks.  To  make sure everything your family enjoys eating at Thanksgiving is represented, create a “sign-up” sheet so everyone can choose what they’ll be bringing and none of your favorite things is left out of the menu.

Keep It Simple, Silly

There’s no rule that you have to have a huge feast at Thanksgiving so consider preparing a smaller meal instead.   Another option is to prepare as much ahead of time as you can.  Slow cookers can be used to make all kinds of foods, even desserts.  Many things can also be made as “freezer meals” and stored for weeks before re-heating them.  The less actual cooking you need to do on Thanksgiving, the lower your stress levels will be.

Make Beautiful Music -Family Harmony

While you can’t make everyone happy, there are ways to promote a peaceful, relaxing dinner.  Use place cards to put the people who tend to bicker further away from each other during dinner.   This will help alleviate some of the tensions.

Give Thanks

Simply taking the time to be thankful for all your blessings can reduce your stress level.  Before everyone arrives, take the time to list all that you’re thankful for over the last year.  Have everyone share their blessings before dinner.   Having a better attitude will help everyone enjoy the day more.

Stress doesn’t have to ruin the holidays.  If you stop to smell the turkey, and plan ahead, you can have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  Planning and organization, while not great fun, can help you enjoy things later once all the guests arrive.

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