How to Plan a Stress Free Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving can be a stressful day. Having guests at your house, having in-laws over, and cooking the big meal. All these things can make your stress level go up. With a few easy steps, things can be stress free this year.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Game Plan
• Menu
• Guest List
• Patience

1. *Game Plan* Have a game plan mapped out of ahead of time. Knowing where you are going is part of the planning process. If you are traveling for Thanksgiving, be sure to fill up the car with gas the day before. If you are having Thanksgiving at your own home, do all the cleaning prior to the big day. Remember: whatever you can do BEFORE will be one less worry on Thanksgiving Day.

2. *Guest List* Knowing who will be at your Thanksgiving meal will help to better plan the meal ahead of time with no surprises. For example, if your daughter-in-law is a diabetic, have sugar free desserts available. Plan the menu around the guests coming for dinner. This seems like a no brainer, but sometimes we revert back to traditional menu items, instead of acclimating to the people eating.

3. *Delegate* There is absolutely no reason for anyone to prepare an entire Thanksgiving menu alone. When making plans with friends or family, delegate an item for them to make and bring. Most people would feel better about bringing what YOU need, rather than trying to figure out what to bring. Accept help where you can. If Aunt Suzie asks how she can help, have her set the table, open wine, light candles, etc. Guests are willing to help, but usually don't know how. Get the men and children involved also.

4. *Anticipate* Try to anticipate any problems that may arise and deal with those ahead of time. If Dad doesn't like his new son-in-law, don't sit them near each other at dinner. Things will come up that have to be handled that day that can't be anticipated. Just remember, it's only one day, and you'll know for following years.

Tips & Warnings

• When deep breaths don't work, excuse yourself from the situation to check on something in the kitchen.
• It's a day of Thanks, be thankful for having people who care enough to share it with you.

[1fstc5vette]

on 1/8/2009 great tips since the holidays should be filled with happiness instead of stress, 5*

[slphilbrick]

on 11/23/2008 Fantastic tips on being stress free on Thanksgiving ! 5*