How to Have a Stress Free Thanksgiving

The preparation for Thanksgiving is a time of stress for many people. Creating a stress free environment for the sake of everyone is something each one of us should strive to achieve. Even in turbulent times, it is possible. Anyone can learn how to have a stress free Thanksgiving. After all, it is a day of thanks.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food
• Guests
• Family
• A little bit of time

1. Avoid buying too many groceries which will leave excessive leftovers. This will save money and keep everyone from getting tired of eating the same food for several days.

2. Keep children busy by letting them help. Let them set the table, bake cookies or stir things you are cooking. Enjoy the time with them.

3. Prepare the side dishes for Thanksgiving Dinner several days before and store in the refrigerator. These can be reheated on Thanksgiving Day.

4. Ask each guest to bring something to the dinner. Don't have everyone bring a side dish. Ask some to bring drinks, desserts, bread, appetizers and anything else that you plan to serve. This will eliminate having too much of one dish.

5. Have the dishes, napkins and utensils ready beforehand. This will eliminate searching for items at the last minute.

6. Do any cooking left for Thanksgiving Day early in morning so that there is time to rest and refresh before guests arrive.

7. Keep your thoughts on the meaning of the day and all the things you have to be thankful for. A meal comes and goes but the people you are with are the real reason for the celebration.

Tips & Warnings

• Some foods can be cooked several weeks in advance as long they are frozen until needed.
• Do not stuff the turkey beforehand. Leave that to right before you are going to cook the turkey.

Resources

• Thanksgiving Day Entertaining