A Mom’s Guide to Crafting the Ideal Thanksgiving Celebration

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Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I know many parents are finalizing their menus for the holiday feast. Conversations about the perfect turkey, gravy, and pumpkin pie are buzzing at the grocery store, gym, and community events.

However, I’ve yet to come across a recipe for something far more crucial than the food: preparing the kids for the festivities. After 15 years of navigating the holidays as a mother to three wonderful children, I’m excited to share my secret three-step formula for a delightful Thanksgiving experience.

Starter: Kiddo Preparation (or Getting the Little Ones Ready)

Prep Time: 1 to 2 hours

Ingredients:

• Three kids (preferably your own)
• A destination for Thanksgiving dinner
• Dressy outfits
• A large dose of patience
• Optional: Prescription medications

Like a delicate soufflé, getting the kids ready requires careful planning. If this step goes awry, the entire day could be thrown off track.

The actual time needed varies based on each child’s mood and, of course, what’s playing on TV. Begin by gently nudging them to get dressed for dinner at the relatives’ house. A little singing and dancing can capture their interest, though it’s not essential.

Next, lay out the dress clothes. Prepare for negotiations with your tweens or teens about why a t-shirt and jeans aren’t suitable for a holiday gathering. If you sense a standoff brewing, you might consider yielding to their fashion choices, as it’s often a matter of personal taste.

Once the kids are dressed, it’s time to tackle hair styling and shoe selection. Take a deep breath—this is when you might want to reach for those optional prescription meds.

Main Course: A Side of Parental Stress

Prep Time: Highly variable. Expect to assist your children while others savor their meals. Familiarity with cold stuffing and sweet potatoes can be quite beneficial.

This is the highlight everyone anticipates all year long, so proceed with care. Keep in mind that some “ingredients” may fare better when seated away from fragile family heirlooms or relatives who might be sensitive to certain personalities.

Once your crew is settled, treat yourself to a plate of food. Just remember, your enjoyment hinges on how well you’ve managed your main “ingredients”—the kids.

Dessert and Coffee: The Course I Rarely Get to Enjoy

Note: If the first two steps falter, you may not make it this far in the evening. If your children are young or still in diapers, there’s a good chance that by the time you manage to feed and settle them, all that’s left of dessert will be crumbs.

Even if you’re counting on naptime aligning perfectly with dinner, holiday chaos can upend even the best-laid plans.

Once you finally sit down to relish whatever remnants of your meal or dessert remain, take a moment to breathe and appreciate the moment. This year, I aim to focus on enjoying my Thanksgiving rather than stressing about perfection.

It’s easy to overlook the blessings in my life—the family I cherish with my partner and the family I grew up with. My siblings and I have transitioned from being the kids playing at our grandparents’ home to the adults who now watch our own kids create joyful chaos. My parents, once the peacekeepers, are now happily indulging their seven grandchildren.

This year, I’ll strive to follow my recipe for a beautiful Thanksgiving, but I’ll also remind myself that the true joy of the day lies not in the meticulous planning, but in savoring the moments together.

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Summary

As Thanksgiving approaches, preparing the kids can feel just as important as the meal itself. This humorous and relatable guide shares a three-step recipe for ensuring a smooth holiday, emphasizing the joys of family and the importance of enjoying the day rather than striving for perfection.