Thanksgiving is upon us once again. A uniquely American holiday and also the busiest travel day of the year because everyone celebrates Thanksgiving. A holiday based on gratitude, focused on togetherness, where the only expectations are based on a traditional meal. With its own parade and football, no weeks long build-up, anticipation, or excessive shopping, it is a nationwide party.

Following Halloween and long considered the gateway to all things Christmas, Thanksgiving sneaks up and disappears before we can even build up a healthy angst. You don’t have to be Emily Post or Martha Stewart to host a memorable holiday meal. But, if you do happen to have a fear of the faux pas or have a Lucy Ricardo-like inclination towards blunders, here are some helpful hints to ease your apprehension.

Hostess Gift:
Sure, everyone knows not to show up empty handed but on a day as hectic as Thanksgiving, you don’t want to send your hosts scurrying for a vase or room for unplanned side dishes. Communication is key and suggestions are appreciated. Your host might need some last minute service-ware or take-away containers. Wine or spirits always make a great hostess gift but don’t overlook a tea or coffee sampler. You might also consider a spa giftie so your hostess or host can pamper themselves after the big day.

Children:
Little ones are always eager to help out when there is lots of commotion in the kitchen. There is at least a task or two appropriate for most ages from napkin folding to table-scaping to writing place cards, so let them join the fun. Butcher paper makes a great table cover for the kids table. It can be drawn on and makes clean up super-easy.

Teens:
Forgo the urge to flaunt your coolness factor by singing along with Lizzo or commenting on the lady and cat meme. Instead pick their brains for gift ideas. (You’ll be amazed at how savvy and perceptive they are.)

Awkward Social Moments:
Intrusive questions and surprising overshares make holiday movies funny and relatable but they are also very real possibilities at every family gathering. So if you need a handy side step for a “When are you going to (do that thing that is none of my business?)” or a “Did I tell you about the (embarrassing situation?)” or worst of all, a storm is brewing between the red and blue (Why can’t those Sox and Yankee fans just get along????) try shouting one of these diversions:

“As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!” “That Paul Rudd! He does not age!!” “I think they should reboot Yes, Dear!!” “Planes, Trains and Automobiles is on!!” Or announce your intentions to quit your full-time job and play video-games for a living. (Yes, it’s a thing! No, I don’t know why your guidance counselor never told you about it.)

After the meal is served, the dessert is eaten, the dishes wrapped up and put away, and the conversation finally lulls, my family bundles up and files out into the cold and dark night. We conclude the holiday with the premier lighting of the Christmas decor; oohing and aahing, surrounded by loved ones, basking in a soft glow, and grateful.

About The Author

Christina is a life-long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.