Thanksgiving StressThere should never be any Thanksgiving stress! Why? Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful and when we are in an attitude of gratitude, it is almost impossible to feel stressed. So what happens around the turkey feast that gets us over the edge? 
Well, Thanksgiving is also a time for families to come together. And when families come together, out come the expectations, forgotten dreams, regrets, jealousies, frustrations, unfinished conversations, and the high hopes for something different. Just the lead up to the event can be a trigger for angst. After all, cooking a 20 pound bird is not an every day occurrence in most households and demands a level of focus by the cook that is not usually required. It won't fit in the microwave, it needs to thawed, stuffed, roasted, and tended to. Then what about all those visiting relatives that have to be picked up, accommodated, shuttled, fed, and nurtured. Is this a set up for stress or what? But you can't show any signs of stress because this is a family holiday and you are supposed to be happy, right? Until at some point along the way the lid comes off with some seemingly insignificant remark, and all hell breaks loose. Just another normal American family celebrating the best holiday we have. And we didn't even have to go shopping for gifts. Want to make it easier to avoid this Thanksgiving stress? 1. Forget the expectations - let it be what it is. 2. Be thankful for the duration (all four days if that's what it is) and go beyond gratitude. See what you can give to anyone and everyone without needing anything back in return. 3. When the crap hits the fan - duck! Stay low profile and don't engage. Find ways to distract the aggrieved parties with acts of love and statements of gratitude. 4. Stay present. As easy as it might be to flee the scene, don't. You can be the bearer of love and gratitude if you really try. Isn't that what you wanted? 5. Enjoy the food and praise those who prepared it. Be the first volunteer to clean up and recruit others to join the team. If you can do all of the above you are well on your way to a happy Thanksgiving without much stress. You are also way ahead of the person writing this great advice.
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