Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and feasting, but it can also be a source of stress for many. The pressure to create the perfect meal, entertain guests, and maintain a festive atmosphere can be overwhelming.
But with a little planning and some emphasis on mindfulness, you can get through the holiday, no matter how big or small your celebration is. Here are six tips to help you have a more relaxing cooking experience on such a major holiday.
Embrace Imperfection
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If we’re referring to stress specifically, the number one way to eliminate your nerves around hosting Thanksgiving is to accept that things will probably go at least a little wrong. And that’s okay! Let go of any expectations, especially if this is your first time making a holiday meal. It’s a lot of work, so focus more on enjoying the process and focusing on connection.
Start With a Plan
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Every good dinner party starts with a plan. Decide on everything you want to serve well in advance. Most people will want traditional favorites like turkey or pumpkin pie, but it’s fun to pepper in some new recipes if they fit the menu. Make a shopping list and purchase whatever you can ahead of time to prevent last-minute trips to the grocery store; there’s no guarantee it’ll be there the day before Thanksgiving.
Spread Out Responsibilities
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Thanksgiving is a family affair, so don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to your loved ones. Involving others not only lightens your load but also fosters a sense of teamwork and togetherness. You might even consider having your Thanksgiving be a potluck, or at least partially so. For example, if you’re not much of a baker, outsource it to another family member who is and let them shine while you focus on your strengths.
Keep It Simple
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While it’s tempting to go all out with elaborate dishes and decorations, simplicity is key to a stress-free Thanksgiving. Focus on quality over quantity and choose recipes that are manageable and enjoyable to prepare. One-pot or sheet pan dishes are perfect for this: they’re easy to clean up and don’t require nearly as much effort. You can bring this thought process into decorating as well so you aren’t overwhelming yourself with too much responsibility.
Focus on the Atmosphere
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You don’t need to completely transform the space to make it a relaxing Thanksgiving environment. But even a simple playlist and nice lighting can do wonders for putting your guests at ease. Ensure there’s enough comfortable seating for everyone and that they’re arranged in a way that encourages conversation among everyone.
Remember It’s All About Gratitude
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What are you thankful for? That’s the point of Thanksgiving, after all, so show your guests that you’re grateful for them. You can also take a moment before dinner starts to have everyone share something they’re thankful for. It’s a little cliche, but it’s a heartwarming way to foster more connection and positivity before breaking bread. And remember this gratitude while you’re cooking throughout the day give yourself grace and moments to breathe so you can appreciate the experience!
12 Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes You Need to Make For Thanksgiving 2024
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It’s time to start thinking about cooking and planning for Thanksgiving!
These traditional Thanksgiving recipes are the perfect addition to any holiday meal! Will you be including them in your menu this year?
12 Traditional Thanksgiving Recipes You Need to Make For Thanksgiving 2024
10 Grocery Store Foods Linked to Memory Loss
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Medical research shows that your diet has the potential to affect your mental function and overall brain health. We often focus on foods that affect our internal health but rarely give attention to the impact food has on our brains. Our brain uses 20-30% of the calories we consume. While you may have an idea of foods that promote brain health, you may be surprised to find out that some foods you’re consuming could be affecting your focus and memory.
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