It seems like suddenly it’s October and time to tackle Thanksgiving. I know, the expression “time flies” is such a cliché, but sometimes it seems like to really does fly. For some of us holidays can be quite overwhelming, especially when we’re already so busy with everyday life events and a busy job or home schedule.
One of the first considerations is how does your family want to celebrate the holiday? Do you want to spend Thanksgiving with members of your immediate family or with other family and friends? Will you host or be a guest? Will it be a brunch, lunch or dinner? At home or at a restaurant?
Whether you are a planner or are flying by the seat of your pants, here are some tips for simplifying your life.
- Take some time to plan your meal. Turkey or something else? One dessert or two? Planning ahead can save time and be less stressful for you.
- Make a shopping list and stick to a budget.
- Simplify the menu with fewer dishes so you’ll have less to prepare and less to clean up afterwards.
- Prepare some of the food in advance such as appetizers and a dessert, or better yet, ask someone else to provide them.
- Make your celebration a brunch or potluck, saving you preparation time and enabling you to spend time with those your love rather than with a hot stove.
- Ask family and friends to bring some of their favorite healthy side dishes or contribute to the celebration in some other way. Maybe by providing a table cloth, napkins, utensils, flowers, or by being in charge of clean up.
Let me know what you decide to do this year. Remember, do what’s best for you and your family, so you can make this holiday simpler and hopefully as stress-free as possible. The only one who will know that something isn’t done perfectly, is you. Happy Thanksgiving!