1. Don’t make things harder than they have to be.
Don’t over think the meal. We established our must-haves, what was optional, and went from there. Opting on store-bought desserts this year saved us a lot of grief. When two of the three cooks are preggo, simplification is key. Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. What’s most important is the time shared with family and friends and creating lasting memories. We'll get Mama to make her homemade, from scratch, lemon meringue pie next year.
2. Things go great when we all cooperate.
Animosity and bickering were reduced to a minimum when it came to clean up time. For us, and many families, the pile of dishes, pots and pans, and silverware in the sink and along the counters, plus the disappearing act pulled by some folk after taking their last bite, is enough to make the happiest hostess frown. Previously, we used to leave the majority of the cleaning for the next morning, but that was even more frustrating. So, this year we extended our bonding and laughing time back to the kitchen where the chore of cleaning didn't seem so overwhelming. It went kinda fast, actually.
3. Let kids be kids.
We had to overlook some things to fully enjoy the day. Relaxing the rules for a few hours didn't lead to any catastrophes beyond repair. Let them take part in the process as much as possible.
Happy, exhausted, well-fed kids sleep so well at night.
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| Can you see the sleep in her eyes? |
4. "Get somewhere and sit down!"
It’s important to get some rest before the guests arrive. Energy is needed to not only cook, but to eat and to laugh. I personally think my mac and cheese tasted so much better when prepared after my hour power nap. We all got along a lot better after going to our own corners for a little while to recharge and mentally prepare for the main event.
5. Laugh! Laugh! Laugh!
The problems of our lives were forgotten, if only for a moment, when we got lost in the sounds of joy, contentment, and love. A game of cards, a couple rounds of BINGO with the kids, and a simple conversation over dessert was the cherry on top of our imperfectly blended family apple pie.
We're looking forward to another year together and the next Thanksgiving. Giving thanks for every day we have with each other.
Love, Peace, and Craziness... It's who we are!!!
Love, Peace, and Craziness... It's who we are!!!
