Last minute trips to the grocery store. Deep cleaning areas in the home that family will be gathering in. Hoping nothing has been forgotten. Figuring out what needs to go in the oven when.
It’s all part of the Thanksgiving preparations. Depending on how well prepared you are, it could be a stressful next couple of days or smooth sailing.
Here are some things I have learned over the years when it comes to reducing stress during the holiday season. The first is to enlist the help of family.
Year after year I would be getting the home ready, complaining loudly that no one ever helps. Now I have learned that I simply need to ask. Don’t expect people to jump in with a helping hand and don’t expect them to read your mind. Ask.
The second thing I have learned is to not attempt an entire meal by myself. Ask guests to contribute and bring something. I have gotten over feeling guilty about this. If you are going to eat in my home, you can at least bring something to eat or drink.
The third thing is don’t save all of your cleaning for the day of Thanksgiving. Do as much as you can the weekend before. Then spread some of the other jobs out over the couple of days beforehand.
The morning of Thanksgiving shouldn’t even be spent cleaning. You might have a little maintenance to do or picking up. But if you can keep on top of things leading up to the day, it will be less stressful.
The last thing I have learned is to not save all of the cooking for the day of Thanksgiving, either. If you can do some of it the day before, go for it. This way you only have to warm up items.
If you are making something that will be refrigerated, then you should for sure prepare it a day ahead. You will save a lot of time and hassle this way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Related Articles:
Kitchen Organizing for the Holidays
Holiday Preparations: Planning
Holiday Preparations: Cleaning
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