How to Not Stress at Thanksgiving

Many people stress out about the holidays. Here are some ideas to help you not stress this Thanksgiving.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• time to relax

1. FAMILY - If you stress over family then manage the amount of time you spend with them. Do not offer to hold Thanksgiving at your home this year. Go to their house and leave after a reasonable visit. Short and sweet is easier than an all day stay or not showing up.

2. FRIENDS - Spend it with friends instead of family. If you live out of town from family, then decide to cut back and not fly home this year. Spending the holiday with friends can really help lower the stress level.

3. FOOD - If you are hosting the meal then try to cut back on the fixings. Don't cook every dish, and try to allow your family and friends to help. Let Aunt Alice bring the pie. Take advantage of any help that is offered. Do not spend the entire week, cleaning, cooking, serving and cleaning again. Find some easy recipes and enjoy!

4. FOOD - Buy the Turkey and sides pre-made. Keep the menu simple and try a pot luck idea. Enjoy the day and don't worry if someone is missing their favorite dish. They will live over it right?

5. WORK - If you have to work this week and you are stressing about missing work. Take a breath and plan your day each day. Make the best use of your time and give yourself some time off too. If you are very busy with work, do not host the meal.

6. HIRE - Hire help if you can afford it. If you are having a crowd and preparation or clean up is too much then get some help. Even if the hired help is your 15 year old cousin. Cleaning up the house prior to a get together can be very tiring. Take care of yourself anyway you can this year.

7. PAMPER - Get a little selfish this year and pamper yourself with some of these ideas. Also throw in some good old real pampering and you'll feel like you had a stress free holiday.

8. CHRISTMAS - Avoid Black Friday shopping. Sure the lure of great deals sounds wonderful. But why not sit back and relax instead? Many of the deals are available online, with free shipping, and then shop again on Cyber Monday!

Tips & Warnings

• Focus on enjoying your holiday instead of trying to make everyone else happy.
• You might get use to the idea of taking it easy at the holidays, enjoy.

Resources

• Pamper Yourself

[writeitout]

on 9/29/2009 Great advice. It's so easy to stress ourselves out during any important holiday 5*

[leanan]

on 11/27/2008 Great tips, it's so easy to get overwhelmed and forget the true meaning of the holidays.