Tips to Keep the Stress Out of Thanksgiving Dinner

If you are anything like me then just having a large group of people in your house can get the stress hormones pumping, no matter how much you love and get along with them or how great a guest they are. I try to plan as much of my Thanksgiving Day as I can but there will always be uncontrollable, and unforeseeable events. For instance, last year we were going to have 8 for Thanksgiving dinner. Circumstances popped up and our large (for us!) Thanksgiving dinner ended up feeding only three of us. I can say I had more than enough leftovers! The point is you cannot control everything that will happen. Preparing mentally for the unexpected will help you greatly when the unexpected suddenly pops up. Other tips, such as those below, can help you reduce the stress of the day, and even save you some money.

Planning ahead is your best friend when it comes to reducing holiday stress. Anything you can get done ahead of time, and any people you can recruit to help you, will give you a head start on the day. Making a list, delegating chores, and making a Thanksgiving Day time line will go a long way towards getting rid of holiday stress.

When money and time are scarce do not feel guilty about calling for a potluck Thanksgiving dinner. Give everyone a dish that they are to make and bring while you can take care of preparing the turkey or ham. Making a checklist of what everyone is bringing will help reduce duplicate side dishes or desserts.

Thanksgiving dinner does not have to be a gourmet feast nor do you have to cook a 15 pound turkey when there are only a few of you. Choose simple Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, green bean casserole and mashed potatoes. Holiday stress often comes from doing too much so reduce how much food, and how many varieties of food, you will prepare to reduce your holiday stress levels for the day.

While we have never had the problem in our family of Uncle Bob always arguing with Aunt Suzy, I do understand that keeping harmony is important when you have a large group of family and friends together. Create place cards around the table and separate those who may tend to get on each other’s nerves, even if they are married! You may also have two areas set up in your house, perhaps a social area in the kitchen and one in the living room and you can keep those who disagree in two different areas of the house.

It is Thanksgiving, so whatever happens, be thankful. Be thankful that your family is there to make a mess, argue with each other, and eat too much food. Holiday stress may not fun but the holidays are a great time to spend with your family and build memories you will have forever.