Posted in Homestead

Thanksgiving is here.  You likely have already purchased your supplies and are ready for the big day of cooking.  The smells, the laughter, the Macy's Day parade, the food, the smell...oh I said that already. 

With any holiday, there can be an abundance of chaos, leading to a non-enjoyment of the day.  However, Thanksgiving and Christmas can be the most stressful.  You can tame the chaos of the day by trying a few simple things today. 

1. Make dishes ahead starting today.  Mashed Potatoes, Dressing, Salads, Jello dishes, Scalloped Potatoes, Bread dough, etc.  These can all be made ahead to create some ease on T Day.  It makes a HUGE difference, trust me on this one.  Some have asked me if the food tastes good being that it isn't "fresh" (meaning made the day of).  The truth is, that dressing, stuffing, potatoes, jello, etc all taste better when they have had time to let the tastes flow together.  Try it this year, and you will find that things taste even better with even less work on the actual day. 
2. Check Black Friday Sales today.  I never shop on Black Friday.  This is not frugal, but I have some other personal issues that keep me from the stores.  If you are venturing out, it would be good for you to get online and check out the sales ads, which are already posted, and compare it with your list.  With gas as high as it is, you will want to keep driving to a minimum if possible, in order to reap the greatest bargains.  So check your gift lists with the Black Friday Sales today, so you can focus on getting some good rest after the celebrations to gear you up for a day of shopping. 
3. Check linens today.  Make certain that everything you need for setting the table is ready to go.  There is no need to add this activity to your To Do list on T Day, when you can squish it in today.  It will make setting the table a more pleasant experience on T Day, knowing you have everything ready today.
4. In the same vein, if you will be using real silver settings, make certain to polish silver today or tomorrow.  Who wants to be polishing silver on T Day?
5. Make sure you have seating for everyone.  When you are setting your tables it can cause a panick if you haven't thought about seats for everyone. 
6. Plan some activities for kids.  Want to keep them busy for hours?  Have a few activities planned to alternate with free play time.  The breaking up of free play and planned activities will assure tons of fun without stress.
7. Take your Turkey out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator NOW; as in right now.  I forgot this one year, and chaos reigned. 
8. If you are decorating the table, consider allowing your kids to make the decorations.  There is nothing better than getting your kids involved in the preparations and having something they contributed out for all to see. 

Planning ahead will make for a relaxed Thanksgiving, and that is something we all can give thanks for. 

These are my thoughts.