Remember the spirit of the season. You don't have to make a monster turkey with all the trimmings to have a special holiday meal.
Everyone wants to have the perfect Thanksgiving, but more families than not have a dysfunctional family gathering. Trust me on this. I did go ask around. Initially folks speak glowingly of the upcoming holiday meal. If I chat a little longer, I hear all the dirt. OK. Let's not call it dirt. Let's just call it the real deal.
If you're in stress mode the week before Thanksgiving, then spend some time planning and cutting down on the load. Look over your lists and check them twice. Ask yourself if you have the time and energy to do everything you're trying to pull off. Do a reality check on whether the grand plans are really what will make family members smile.
I've seen so many people attempt new and glorious holiday recipes when everyone is just hoping for the classics. My boys pouted mighily when the mashed potatoes were skin on with cheese and herbs one year. They'd much rather have regular old mashed potatoes but good ones.
Some years I've tried to make every recipe in the book. OK. I'm stretching it. But, I do tend to expand the Thanksgiving menu beyond "reasonable." Right now, I'm thinking about the big dinner and thinning out the fat.
We do want turkey. The boys' dad offered to make the cornbread dressing. Good deal. If someone offers, don't be the hero or the martyr. Dressing is covered. Mom makes the best ever sweet potato casserole. I know she'd be glad to bring that. If I add a green bean casserole and a fruit salad, that's a hearty meal.
I can make some appetizers throughout the week and whip up some desserts before the big day.
