7 Ways to Make Your Thanksgiving Stress Free

Thanksgiving is a holiday that ushers in the the joyous Christmas season. And since it is a time of family gathering and large festivities, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out making sure everything is just right. The food, the decor, the invites are all wonderful parts of celebrating Thanksgiving, but we should never forget the reason for the season, and it should be enjoyable for you as well as your loved ones.

Here are 7 ways to make your Thanksgiving stress free:

1. Quality over Quantity

When planning your Thanksgiving feast, concentrate on quality and not quantity. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect, and people would appreciate a small festive gathering over a humungous feast anytime. Why stress yourself out preparing the perfect Thanksgiving meal when you can serve a small group and manage to enjoy yourself while doing so? The wonderful decor, place settings, and smorgasbord of food is indeed great for all of your guests, but if their hostess is tired and stressed out, it will be hard for them to have fun. Relax, downsize, and let the good times roll.

2. Closeness Counts

It’s a good thing when we are able to invite everyone in our Rolodex to our gatherings, but the amount of time and money that would have to go into such an affair is taking away from the fun of the season. Invite close relatives to your Thanksgiving get together and keep it a close and small gathering of loved ones.

3. Let Someone Else Do It

As women on the move, we are so used to doing everything ourselves. But there is nothing wrong with letting someone else do it. Offer to bring a few dishes to a Thanksgiving gathering at someone else’s house, and trade spaces every year so you aren’t stuck doing the entertaining every Thanksgiving.

4. Skip Black Friday

Dare I say skipping Black Friday may be the way to go? With all of the sales and closeouts that are being offered now along with Cyber Monday, why fight the hustle and bustle of the strip malls and department stores and opt for a more quieter shopping experience? Less stress can have a positive effect on you during the holiday season.

5. Have it Catered

Having your Thanksgiving meal catered is another option to help cut down on your stress. Honeybaked Ham is a good option for your Thanksgiving meal and most grocery stores and supermarkets offer prepared Thanksgiving meals that are made to order specifically for you.

6. Get a Cleaning Service

You may not be able to afford a cleaning service all year around, but it’s a good idea to splurge on one during the holiday season. These professionals can come and clean your home from top to bottom, allowing you time to focus on other things. In addition, these services are offering discounts for holiday cleaning and first time visits, so it may be well worth the extra change to invest in a service.

7. Stay at Home

We all love to travel and see our family in other cities and states, but traveling during the holidays can be stressful and trying. Instead of hopping on the road or taking to the friendly skies, opt to stay at home and travel to see your loved ones during other times in the year when there isn’t so much going on. I know doing so doesn’t paint that “perfect holiday picture” but it may just keep you sane during the hustle and bustle of Thanksgiving.

You are supposed to enjoy the holidays and your loved ones, not be in panic mode over menus, guests, and preparation. I want you bask in the holiday glow and not become fried under it! I hope the 7 tips above help take the stress out of your Thanksgiving.

Here’s to a Happy Thanksgiving!