Tips for Thanksgiving Preparations

So much to do, so little time.

I bet I’m not the only one who’s thinking this right now.

However, I’ve always managed to get everything done enough so that we could enjoy a delicious (and fairly compliant) Thanksgiving meal. Interesting how that works.

We are one week away from the big day, and there is plenty of time to calmly prepare for the feast.

Here are some tips to help you. And yes, I plan on taking my own advice.

1. Take about 10-20 minutes to make a list of what must happen in order for you to be ready for Thanksgiving festivities. This could include things like when you’ll grocery shop, menu planning, getting your house in order, food assignments if you’re hosting a pitch-in, decorating. Plan your work, then work your plan.
2. Usually there is competition for refrigerator space once I bring home the turkey. If you can relate, toss items out now that are outdated and taking up valuable space. Eat or freeze leftovers that you won’t need once you enjoy the feast. This will help eliminate frustration a week from now.   
3. Don’t underestimate the power of 10 minutes here and there throughout your day. While there may be the temptation to sit idle or scroll social media, return to your To Do list and knock off a simple chore. Another option is to relax and intentionally make that your idle or social media time. Planning to waste time is not time wasted.
4. Remember to plan your meals for the days prior to and after Thanksgiving. Make sure you have the necessary ingredients to make the turkey pot pie, for example. Ok, that is specifically a reminder for me since it’s our Saturday dinner tradition. Have fresh fruit and vegetables handy for lighter snacking to help offset all that pie.
5. When you start to feel panicky, go do something physical. Take a walk or run, vacuum, head to the gym, rake leaves (I have plenty if you need some to rake). Or practice some deep breathing exercises to calm you.
6. If you have a frozen turkey, allow 1 day in the fridge for each 4-5 lbs. for thawing. I ordered a fresh turkey from Whole Foods and scheduled the pickup time online. Easy!
7. Ask for specific help when you need it. People are usually happy to help you if they know what to do.
8. Still too much to do, cook, prepare? Get real and cut back. Let go of perfection. You’ll have a more enjoyable day with family and friends.
9. No matter what happens, be grateful.
10. If you found this post to be helpful, please share it with your friends. They’ll be happy that you thought about them.

So that stinker Mr. Non-Compliant (my hubby) left me a recipe for pumpkin caramel flan. He loves pumpkin pie and he loves flan. Looks as though he’ll have to choose because he’s only getting ONE dessert. 

Guess he figured that it doesn’t hurt to ask.

I’m betting he’ll stick with the pie. Stay tuned…

Wishing you a blessed pre-Thanksgiving week.

Much love,
Health Coach Carol

“Everything changed when I switched from saying ‘I have to do this’ to ‘I GET to do this.'” — Charlotte Eriksson