10 Tips For Surviving Thanksgiving In 2021

With family gathering this Thanksgiving there are probably more concerns than any previous year. Will family members be vaccinated, have enough food, a big enough space to keep distance and so many other things. The key thing to remember is you can survive this Thanksgiving and still have an amazing time with these 10 tips for surviving Thanksgiving in 2021.

1) Keep this Thanksgiving small and compact. Normally, combined smaller families gather and create a big spread for everyone to enjoy. This year try and keep it with immediate family so there is less danger of being sick, getting sick or spreading sickness. This can be Covid or any other bug that might be spreading around. During the holiday season with weather changing many seem to catch an illness that spreads rapidly. Protect yourself and others by keeping it smaller than normal.

2) Shop Early. With so much confusion with transportation being delayed many stores may be limited on their inventory. Don't wait until two days before Thanksgiving to get your list of groceries. You may find it hard to have all the ingredients you need. With many knowing about the truck shipping shortage, they are probably buying their feast goods right now.

3) Try an unconditional dish. Many people are shopping for ham and turkey. Try adding another meat to your holiday dinner and create a new unconditional dish to your list. You'd be surprised how great it can be and stress free for competition with last years holiday dinner.

4) Don't invite the annoying family members. Yes, I said it. It is all about family, but with the stresses of house pricing, gas pricing and food going up, you don't need anyone around you on this day to drag you down or make you feel like you didn't complete the holiday the way they want it. If you have family members that complain and contest everything you do, this year let them eat with someone else. You don't need the stress or irritation.

5) Bring out the board games. Many people watch football or play football on thanksgiving. Have some board games ready in case no one wants to play the contact sport this year. This way those that don't watch football can have something else to do. You can never be too sure if your family and friends will want to keep that 6ft apart rule going during the holidays.

6) Remind yourself how great you are. Many times we get caught up in the "to do" that we forget to remind ourselves that we are amazing, talented and loving people. Just the thought of having your family and friends over means you care enough to open your private sanctuary to create memories.

7) Don't be afraid to say no. Many people will ask you to add something you weren't planning to your menu, to bring more guests or to change the time of dinner. If this isn't something you can handle, it is okay to say NO. You may not have time to add pumpkin pie to your menu, or enough room fo another three place-settings to your table. No, isn't a negative word. It simply lets you control the atmosphere and enjoy what you've created.

8) Find what you're wearing the night before. Don't wait until Thanksgiving day to find out that dress or dress shirt is smaller than you expected it to be. Have your outfit together and all figured out (and tried on) prior to the big day. You don't want to be frustrated just hours before going to or hosting dinner.

9) Expect delays. If you set a time for dinner be aware that some people may be late while others come early. Be prepared to deal with the delayed guest so that you're on time guests don't feel unappreciated. Start with hors-d'oeuvres, games, a cocktail or something to have the early guests entertained while waiting on the late guests to arrive.

10) It doesn't have to be perfect. Coming from a perfectionist, this is a weird statement, but Thanksgiving is about fun, family and friends. This is the no judgement zone, at least it should be. Appreciate all your hard work and know that something may go wrong, but you know it doesn't have to be perfect to be amazing.

Thanksgiving is a holiday created for family and friends to get together and be grateful for what they have accomplished during the year, friends they've met, family added, remembering those that are gone and just having a genuine gathering in peace and love. Remember that when creating your guest list and making your meal. Know that the amazing person you are will shine through and this holiday meal will be amazing. Grow, live, and change the world. Keep growing and inspiring.