Thanksgiving will be here before we know it, so AMO thought we would put together some tips so that you are looking forward to Thanksgiving rather than possibly dreading it. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks, cook great food and spend precious time with either family and/or friends.
Feelings of anxiety and stress might also come with Thanksgiving, especially if you are hosting at your house. You might not only have the responsibility of cooking but to entertain guests as well. By exploring ways to help relieve some of the holiday pressure I hope it will help me too as we entertain!
Plan ahead. Buy your turkey frozen in advance and thaw a few days out. If you have traditional recipes you use every year, can you make the recipes ahead of time or do you need to make on thanksgiving day? If you are looking for new recipes, check Pinterest, blogs and magazines to find that special dish to try. Also, ask your friends/ family members for a favorite recipe to share.
Buy ahead. Purchase the necessary ingredients for your recipes ahead of time so you aren’t having to shop the day before or day of 
thanksgiving. You will be able to focus solely on cooking (and cleaning). 
Cleaning house. This is not my forte as those who know me well can attest. To plan meals, cart the kids around, write articles and keep the website up and keep the house clean seems to be too much for me. However, if your house needs organizing and cleaning before the company arrives engage the help of others. Delegate responsibilities to other family members so the job of cleaning the house isn’t all on you. Or hire cleaners!
Engage others. Accept offers of friends/family to bring a food item or help prepare a dish. Cooking together in the kitchen can spark conversation and is a great way to spend time together.
If we can clean, plan and buy ahead for Thanksgiving we just might relieve a lot of stress off ourselves and have a blissful day when it arrives.
AlpharettaMoms.Org writes a monthly column for North Fulton Family Life. This article was written November 2014. The monthly publication may come to many of your homes and it can also be found throughout North Fulton in doctor’s offices, restaurants and multiple other venues so pick up a copy to find out about local happenings and businesses!
