What does Thanksgiving mean to you - whole day of preparation, cleaning the house, and cleaning it again when the party is over? (Oh and the chunks of turkey and vats of cranberry sauce too…) You may just be focusing on the wrong side of the holiday. Of course a feast always feels like a challenge but this is only because you want another Thanksgiving best for your family. In the end you’ll be thankful you made everyone feel grateful.

Get a box and fill it with all Thanksgiving-y things. This is a strategy for organization. Imagine how stressful it will be if you are just going to plan your Thanksgiving with no guide! Think how easy all preparations are going to be if there’s one box where you can get everything you need – turkey recipes, invitees and their phone numbers, decorations, and special tableware – every year!

Make a list of things you’re grateful for and remind yourself how each made your life better. Preparations only feel stressful if you don’t have the Thanksgiving spirit! Remember that Thanksgiving is really about gratitude and reflection so don’t spend the holidays getting all anxious that everyone’s expecting a feast but your resources are limited. There are other ways to achieve “festive” rather than expensive foods. A simple family meal could be festive if all the family members are grateful about the good things in their lives.

Thank everyone for their company. At the end of the celebration, make your guests feel loved by telling them how happy you were for their presence. Doing this will make them feel welcome and cherished. Result– they will definitely come again next year!