Ah, Thanksgiving—the time for family gatherings, food, and inevitable chaos. Let’s take a moment to reflect on how you ended up hosting this holiday extravaganza. Remember that sunny July afternoon at your partner’s family BBQ? You were enjoying some bubbly when, perhaps a bit too cheerfully, you declared, “Let’s host everyone for Thanksgiving!” Your mother-in-law, bless her heart, insisted it wasn’t necessary, but you were riding high on summer vibes and a few too many glasses of wine. You convinced yourself, “It’ll be fun! I got this!”
Fast forward to now, and here you are, preparing to host a slew of relatives for an entire week. Sounds like a dream come true, right? (Insert eye roll here.) But don’t panic just yet! I’ve compiled a handy prep list to help you navigate this high-pressure situation. You can thank me later—preferably with a glass of wine and some delicious leftovers.
Here’s your go-to guide for surviving the Thanksgiving family invasion:
- Tackle the Baseboards: These often-overlooked areas need some love. Either clean them yourself, have the kids pitch in, or enlist your housekeeper’s help.
- Dust Off the Fridge: I can practically see the dust bunnies from here. Your mother-in-law will undoubtedly check for cleanliness, so you might as well make it sparkle. Pro tip: Get your partner to handle this task.
- Stock Up on Booze: Not for the relatives—this stash is for you. They can BYOB! When sending out invites, make sure to include a BYOB note for the fam.
- Display Family Photos: Put those framed pictures of your mother-in-law and the grandkids on display. They might be gathering dust in the attic, so dig them out and showcase them proudly.
- Dig Out the Holiday Gifts: Remember that gaudy scarf and earrings your partner’s aunt gifted you last year? Find them and wear them to show your appreciation.
- Clear Your Computer History: You definitely don’t want your mother-in-law discovering your recent online searches for “How to Avoid Your In-Laws.”
- Unpack Cookware and Cookbooks: Those kitchen gadgets and cookbooks gifted by Grandma are finally going to see the light of day. Time to make use of them!
- Fix Your Bedroom Lock: Privacy is key—make sure your bedroom door can be secured.
- Stash Away Personal Items: Put away anything that may raise eyebrows, like adult toys or other personal items.
- Hide Your Medications: This includes any prescription meds and anything else you’d rather keep private. Better safe than sorry!
- Review Manners with the Kids: This is the perfect time to reinforce good behavior. A little etiquette lesson goes a long way.
- Borrow Fun Games: Consider lending Cards Against Humanity to a neighbor. You might need some comic relief!
- Order the Turkey: Skip the stress of cooking and order a fully prepared turkey from a local restaurant. Just pop it in the oven when guests arrive and take all the credit.
- Find Your Zen: Whether it’s prayer or yoga, take some time for yourself to decompress and gather your thoughts amidst the holiday hustle.
- Dispose of Negative Vibes: Get rid of any articles, journals, or anything else that reflects your less-than-positive feelings about your in-laws. Burning them can be therapeutic!
Who am I spending the holiday with this year, you ask? I’ll be volunteering and serving food to those in need—it brings me joy and peace. Trust me, I learned my lesson last year!
For more tips on navigating family dynamics and preparing for holidays, check out this post.
Summary
Preparing for your in-laws this Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. With a little planning and humor, you can create a welcoming environment while keeping your sanity intact. From tidying up your home to ordering in, these 15 steps ensure you’ll be ready for the family festivities ahead.