Holiday Planning

Day 19 of NaBloPoMo!  Today’s prompt is, It’s the Monday before Thanksgiving! Share a planning tip or two for the upcoming holidays – is there a particular trick or strategy you use that helps minimize stress and keep you on track?

LOL. So today was my turn to post the prompt and here I sit before a blank screen. The idea sounded good at the time, I suppose. Today, this appeared in my Facebook feed.

A short week! YES! Less time to plan for the Thanksgiving holiday! YIKES! Not that I have a ton of planning to do. Thursday I will arrive at my sister’s with the traditional green bean casserole, and then host dinner for 4 on Friday, when my inlaws come to visit. Not too crazy, considering some households with upwards of 20 people coming for dinner. But there are things to plan for early, if you don’t want to be running out on Thursday in search of cranberry sauce.

So for today’s prompt I tried to think of some different ways to prepare in order to avoid the stress. I’m looking forward to your ideas! Mine may be obvious.

• Plan. (I know. Duh. Everyone makes a list.) Brainstorm your shopping list and to do list, then break it up by day.  List what can be done the weekend before, Monday, Tuesday, etc. Especially if you are thawing a frozen turkey! I get totally distracted when doing this, so I’ve found it best to start with pen and paper, close the laptop, shut off the phone. Until all my thoughts have been captured.
• Set a reminder on your phone to start your list early. Okay, I know we’re already in to Thanksgiving week. Store that away for next year.
• When shopping, plan an easy backup dish or two, like Velveeta Shells & Cheese in case the mashed potatoes end up on the floor or the dog gets a hold of the green bean casserole. It may not be a traditional Thanksgiving side, but at least you have a Plan B. And memories in the making!   (….remember that year we had pizza rolls for Thanksgiving?)
• Find a store near you open on Thanksgiving Day for any last minute needs. I know, I hate to think anything would be open, keeping people away from their families, but if you forget something, at least you know in advance where to go (or have a relative stop on their way. 🙂 )
• Relax. The most important thing are the laughs, the smiles, the hugs, and the fellowship and gratitude that the day symbolizes. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Happy Thanksgiving!