Tips On Preparing For Thanksgiving

I have experienced a stereotypical bad Thanksgiving meal where someone is ‘outed’, old wounds are rehashed and fighting ensues. I’ve also experienced a happy family affair with every one planning and preparing for the holiday weekend together. I think the secret to a good day is keeping your schedule open because sometimes not every thing goes according to plan.


Communicate with family about what will be on the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Offer up different versions of a recipe or have others bring their favorite dishes. Not every one likes the same things.

Plan to spend time in the kitchen as a family affair. Clear off everything from the counters that you don’t intend to use and store it away. Clean out your fridge and make room for snacks, drinks and leftovers.

Don’t over clean your home. Set up comfortable areas where you and your family can feel as much at home as possible.

Find activities that will be fun for the whole family. Communicate these among family members and make tentative plans; nothing is set in stone.

Designate someone to capture your time together. Give a responsible young one the camera for a while and see the world through the eyes of a child.

Pack for the season and the occasions. Check the weather and pack accordingly, keeping the local terrain in mind when packing shoes and outerware.

If you have a long way to go, plan the trip and be prepared. Bring snacks and activities and route out friendly places to stop for gas or emergencies. If you have time, take a side trip and explore a new place.

Celebrate the meaning of Thanksgiving. Be thankful of what you have and share that with others.