As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are finalizing their plans for the festive feast. Conversations about the perfect turkey, velvety gravy, and irresistible pumpkin pie buzz in stores, gyms, and community gatherings. Yet, amidst all the culinary talk, there’s a crucial recipe often overlooked—the preparation of the most essential guests: the children.
Having navigated 15 Thanksgiving celebrations with my three kids, I’m excited to share my three-step strategy for ensuring a smooth holiday.
Starter: Little Ones in Style (A.k.a. Preparing the Kids)
Prep Time: 1 to 2 hours
Ingredients:
- Three children (preferably your own!)
- A destination for Thanksgiving dinner
- Dressy outfits
- An enormous supply of patience
- Optional: Prescription medications for the frazzled
Like a delicate soufflé, getting the kids ready requires careful handling. If this step falters, the entire day may be thrown off balance.
Preparation Time: Varies by child, mood, and the allure of their favorite TV show.
Begin by gently introducing the idea of getting dressed for dinner. A little song and dance can capture their attention, but this is optional. Next, lay out their holiday outfits. Prepare for the inevitable debate with your tween or teen about why jeans and a T-shirt aren’t suitable for the occasion. If you feel that compromising might save the day, consider it—after all, it’s about the spirit of togetherness.
Once you’ve successfully convinced them to wear something more festive, it’s time for hair and shoes. Breathe deeply; this step can be hectic. If necessary, the optional prescription medication might come in handy.
Main Course: The Struggle is Real (A Side of Parental Stress)
Prep Time: Highly variable; you’ll likely be assisting your children while the rest of the family enjoys their meal. Learning to appreciate cold stuffing and sweet potatoes is a must.
This is the moment everyone has been waiting for—the grand feast! Take your time and proceed cautiously, as some “flavors” may need to be seated away from cherished family heirlooms or relatives with a penchant for criticism. Once you’ve managed to set up your kids, feel free to plate your own meal. Just remember, your enjoyment largely hinges on how well you’ve set up the “main ingredients,” otherwise known as your children.
Dessert and Coffee: The Course I Rarely Savor with My Family
I must emphasize that if the first two steps don’t go smoothly, you might miss this stage entirely. If your little ones are very young, by the time you tend to their needs, others may have already polished off dessert and coffee.
Even if your baby typically naps during meal times, holiday excitement can throw that schedule into disarray. When you finally get a moment to enjoy whatever remains of your meal or dessert, take a deep breath. Absorb the moment.
This year, I’m determined to focus on this aspect of my holiday experience. In past years, I’ve stressed over achieving the “perfect Thanksgiving” and overlooked the joy of simply being with loved ones. It’s easy to take for granted the family I have—my husband and the relatives I grew up with.
My sisters and I have grown up and now occupy the “adult” seats at the table, while our children bring life to the gathering. My parents, once the peacekeepers, now relish their roles as doting grandparents to their seven grandchildren.
This year, I will follow my recipe for a lovely Thanksgiving as best as I can. Then, I’ll sit back and appreciate that the true beauty of the day—and my life—lies not in a meticulously crafted plan, but in the moments we share.
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Summary:
Thanksgiving is a chaotic yet joyful time for families, especially when preparing children for the festivities. This guide provides a humorous take on managing the day, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the moments spent with loved ones rather than striving for perfection.
Keyphrase: Thanksgiving preparation tips
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