How to Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner is stressful on its own without adding unwanted dinner guests. No, we’re not talking about squirrels and raccoons showing up to crash the party or even the neighbor’s dog and the family cat conspiring to snag the turkey off the table. We’re talking about those certain family members that, thankfully, you only see around the holidays.
Every family has at least one – the gossipy aunt, the loudmouth sister-in-law, the rude and obnoxious uncle, the ‘thinks he’s better than everyone’ brother-in-law, the sibling’s lazy loser boyfriend or girlfriend. You put up with them every year because they’re family but you don’t have to let them get you frazzled. With a little advanced preparation, you can survive any Thanksgiving dinner get-together.
Know Who’s Coming
If you know ahead of time that your unwanted guest is coming, you can plan, both mentally and physically, and avoid certain things that set the person off. For example, if Aunt Martha hates the lavender bathroom soap you use and always rants about it the entire evening, replace it with one she likes.Don’t forget to hang the awful hand towel she made you two years ago. It may be the ugliest thing ever made, but it’s worth it if it keeps her quiet.
If you know they’re coming, drink a cup of tea and relax before they arrive. Have an escape plan in place to get away and calm down when it gets to be too much.
Unexpected Guests
When unwanted guests show up unexpectedly or uninvited, remain calm. Even if they weren’t invited or said they weren’t coming, expect them to show up anyway. If you’re expecting them, you’ll be prepared for anything. And if they don’t show up, you’ll be even more relieved.
Don’t Get Frazzled
Most importantly, no matter what crazy, sarcastic and rude remark Uncle John comes up with, remain calm. Make a conscious decision not to let anything he says bother you – just smile and walk away. Easier said than done, but he gets on everyone’s nerves and he knows this, which is why he keeps doing it. Be the bigger person!
Take a Break
Breathe. Walk outside, take a deep breath and remember they’ll be leaving soon. You’re not Kristie Alley and this isn’t the movie Madhouse. When it gets to be too much, take a short break and relax. They can only get under your skin if you let them.
