How To Get Through The Holidays
While Thanksgiving is a special day filled with delicious food and special people, you can't deny it can also be pretty hectic. From planning large gatherings as a host or having to hang out with your least favorite family members as a guest, things can get pretty dicey. To help you get through this big holiday, here are 20 tips for your survival.
1. Mentally Prepare
It's never an easy time when Thanksgiving is around the corner and with so much to prepare, it's best you take some time for yourself to mentally lock in. Have a game plan ready and get yourself pumped up so you're ready to take on the big day!
2. Don't Host More Than You Can Handle
While the saying "the more the merrier" is true in some cases, it's not always what's best for you. Don't make Thanksgiving dinner more than it has to be - it just means you'll have too much on your plate! Plan for an acceptable size party you can manage.
3. Ask For Help
Just because you're hosting doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself. Whether it's setting up, going to the grocery store, or preparing the food, ask for help when you need it. Your guests will be more than happy to lend a helping hand.
4. How Much Space Do You Have?
Also remember to keep in mind how much space you have to work with. If you live in an apartment but want to host more than a dozen people, it's not going to be an enjoyable experience. Work with what you've got - it'll make things run a lot smoother for you and everyone else.
5. Don't Cook New Dishes
We know you want to impress your guests with a deliciously cooked feast, but it's easier to stick with what you know. Trying out new recipes can be a cause for disaster, especially if something in the cooking process goes wrong. Save yourself the potential despair and whip up classics you're familiar with.
6. Prep In Advance
Save yourself some time on the big day by prepping things in advance. Not everything needs to be done day of so it's a good idea to plan out what can be done beforehand. Things like shopping for groceries, chopping up vegetables, and setting up the seating arrangement can be done a night or two before!
7. Choose A Time That Works For You
For most hosts, it can be easy losing yourself to what everyone else wants and needs, but don't forget to take yourself into account. If anything, plan around your own time! Pick a time that works best for you, especially if you're the one hosting and taking care of most things. You deserve to be considered too.
8. Plan Seating Ahead of Time
Whether you're trying to avoid two troublemakers from sitting together or just trying to save time, it never hurts to plan seating arrangements ahead of time. After all, it's just one less thing for you to worry about as guests come arriving one by one.
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9. Leave Politics At The Door
No one enjoys going to dinners that they know will turn political. Save your strong opinions for another time. Thanksgiving is not the time to argue with those close to you. Engage in polite and friendly conversations that everyone can feel comfortable with.
10. Know Your Escape Routes
From the annoying aunt that won't stop pestering you about marriage to the blunt uncle who doesn't hold back on his criticisms, if you need to escape from a conversation or a room, best plan your routes beforehand. Knowing where you can go to get a little space to take a deep breath can help things from escalating.
11. Bring Something To Keep You Entertained
If your Thanksgiving gatherings tend to drone on and on into the night, it's not a bad idea bringing along something that'll keep you entertained. From a handheld game console to books or your phone, having a little distraction can make the event easier for you.
12. Avoid The Difficult Members
Why try to make peace when there is none? Don't stress over particular family members or guests you don't get along with. Focus on the positives and avoid them if you need to. There's no need to put that stress in your mind, or theirs, to be fair.
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13. Get A Good Night's Sleep
It might seem like a small thing, but never underestimate the power of a good night's sleep. Not only will it give you the energy to take on Thanksgiving regardless of if you're a guest or host, it'll put you in a good mood to get things started.
14. Accept Mistakes
It's better you accept this now before things get out of hand - acknowledge that your plans might not run as perfectly as you'd hoped. Mistakes are normal and if something goes wrong, don't be too hard on yourself. Understand that these things happen and quickly recover to move on.
15. Skip the Cocktails
It's not a bad idea skipping the cocktails, especially if you know particular guests get rather rowdy after a few. If anything, remember to stay hydrated with water for your own sanity.
16. Play Some Music
Music can do wonders for awkward guests, uncomfortable moments, or just setting the atmosphere. It's also a great way to keep your mood and spirits up! We'd recommend finding some fitting tunes that best fit the vibe you're going for - upbeat and cheerful is the way to go.
17. Give Yourself More Time Than Needed
Always give yourself more time than you think you need. There's no point running around stressing over hard deadlines just so you can keep pace with everything else going on. If you're hosting, your guests will be (and should be) more than understanding.
18. Ask About Dietary Restrictions Ahead of Time
The last thing you want to happen on Thanksgiving is serving turkey to a vegetarian. If you're hosting and have plenty of guests arriving, be mindful and ask about dietary restrictions and allergies before the big feast. Trust us, it'll save you from potential embarrassment.
19. Prepare Methods To Keep You Calm
During the more stressful moments of the day, having some calming practices in the back of your pocket can keep you from spiraling out. It's going to be an eventful day, so know your limits and find the best ways to keep yourself relaxed.
20. Remember What It's All For
Don't lose sight of what Thanksgiving is all about! While the main highlight is the massive feast everyone will be enjoying, remember it's all about being thankful and expressing gratitude to those closest to you. Try not to get caught up with superficial things and remind yourself of what you're really here for.
