14 of 83

Write now Article Tools

The author E.P. Powell said that "Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of men; but be careful that you do not take the day and leave out the gratitude." Unfortunately this happens all too often. Thanksgiving can needlessly become a very stressful time of year, ceasing to be a precious jewel. With self-imposed expectations, it's all too easy to become intent on having the imagined perfect holiday while forgetting the true purpose of Thanksgiving. It becomes, instead, a quest to have your home looking spotless and shining; the meal must be perfect and of course the timing must be fine-tuned for the multiple dishes you will be serving; the table and home must be decorated festively with all the linen looking crisp and the silver polished; and don't forget the important decisions about what you will wear.

There have probably been Thanksgivings past when, by the end of the day, you have thought, "What I am thankful for is that Thanksgiving is over!"

If this strikes a chord with you, then why not make this Thanksgiving different? Stop the hyperactivity and reflect on David Grayson's words: "Thanksgiving is the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks of the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest..." In the present economic climate, it is an especially good time to trim down the excesses and pressures of what Thanksgiving can sometimes become. It's a time to gather with family and friends; to enjoy one another with gratitude and humility.

So, let's get started on how to make Thanksgiving simpler and more enjoyable for everyone. If you, the host, are relaxed, everyone else will be too. You will set the tone.

Housecleaning obviously can't be shared with the guests. It can be shared with the family, however, and can be done a day or two beforehand so that you aren't exhausted on the day. Make a list and check things off so that you don't lie in bed making mental lists. Set the table the day before so that Thanksgiving Day is more leisurely with time to enjoy family and your guests. Have some dishes that can be prepared ahead of time so that you don't have to spend all Thanksgiving in the kitchen; an excellent choice for example is Creamed onions. This entails boiling small onions and making a white cream sauce with a dash of sherry which is poured over the cooked onions. All of this can be done the day before, then thirty minutes before serving you pop the dish into the oven alongside the turkey and other vegetables. Consider other dishes that can be prepare ahead too, like Butternut Soup as a first course. It can be made ahead and warmed through just prior to serving. Cranberry sauce is also a make-ahead dish.

In addition, it's a very good idea to accept offers of help to share the cooking load! Family and friends genuinely mean it when they suggest helping, and it adds to the feeling of community just as the very first Thanksgiving was celebrated. Pumpkin pie, for example, is easily transportable and so are many vegetable dishes, so don't feel you have to do it all yourself. That isn't what the perfect holiday is all about.

Whenever stress builds up, stop and remind yourself what the celebration is about; Thanksgiving is a unique holiday and a time to give thanks with family and friends for the harvest, our loves and our lives. Don't "leave out the gratitude."

Learn more about this author, Glynnis Hayward.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Taking time to give thanks?
We want to hear your view. Write now!