7 Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most exciting times of the year for most families. Christmas is just around the corner and everyone is walking around thankful and happy. No one is short, crappy, irritable or frustrated. Everyone is on time and considerate of your feelings. Thanksgiving dinner is appreciated by everyone and everyone hangs around to clean up. Nobody ruins your brand-new furniture or tracks red mud across the carpet. There are no family arguments and everyone gets along famously…

You may now wake up from your dream. Some of us are lucky enough to have idealistic Thanksgiving holidays, but the vast majority are happy to only get a few of the scenarios mentioned above. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances for stress. Here are 7 things to consider to have a stress-free Thanksgiving:

1. Consider visiting someone else's home this year

Nobody said you had to be in charge every year. If you are that family that entertains the world every Thanksgiving, allow yourself to be the visitor for a change.

2. Resist the urge to make every known food

It is common to want to diversify your menu at Thanksgiving. People do like choices. With that said, you do not have to make every single mammal on the planet. Pick one or two and be satisfied. Everyone else will be also.

3. Allow everyone to pitch in

Do not be a kitchen dictator and then expect everyone to want to help. Be gracious and flexible and you will find plenty of hands to make your life easier.

4. Actually make the list this time

Every Thanksgiving people swear they are going to make a list of things not to forget. The vast majority never get around to making this list and forget things. Stress ensues. Make a list and you will be very pleased with the results.

5. Have the car checked out

There is something about manly pride that prevents them from getting a check up. This goes for their health and their vehicles. Force him to visit the garage before the several hour long trip to grandma’s house.

6. Skip Black Friday for once

Black Friday has become almost as popular as Thanksgiving itself to some people. The stress of that day alone has got to be one of the highest around. Unless you are just addicted to shopping on Black Friday, skip it and have an extra turkey sandwich instead.

7. Make certain to remember the season

Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of appreciation and love. If you simply cannot get along with someone, then spend your day with someone else. Commit to spending Thanksgiving moments with those people that mean the most to you. Thanksgiving does not have to be loaded with stress. Make the tough decisions ahead of time and set yourself up for success.