How To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner With A Large Family
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

How To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner With A Large Family

In a household that hosts Thanksgiving dinner every year, you learn a few tricks of the trade.

70
How To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner With A Large Family

Go through the line of food, and get a moderate amount of everything you like.

If a number of people at dinner is too big to serve all at one table, many people like to do a “buffet style” serving. This is where everyone is in line and grabs food and then brings their plate back to the table. The correct way to cheat the system is to grab smaller amounts of food the first time. This will allow you to eat your first helping quicker than the rest of your family. Because the first reaction of many is to pile every piece of food they see onto a plate. This way you will be first in the second round of helpings. At this point, you will be able to have two decently full plates of food in the time that it takes everyone else to eat their first serving. This strategy guarantees that you will get a second helping of that cornbread stuffing or sweet potato casserole before it’s gone.

Embrace the kids table.

If the party is too large, the seating is usually broken up. All the adults fit onto one larger table in the same area, and then the “extras” are put at a small table in the living room. That is the kids table. As an early teenager, this seating arrangement was a disgrace, but now as a college student I fully embrace the kids table. This is where the fun people sit. I can assure anyone who feels like they are missing out at the adult table that they are not missing much. While the adult table is polite and conversational, the kids table is the place where you can make bets with your cousins about how much bread they can fit in their mouth. You will never be too old for the kids table so enjoy it while you can.

Participate in the traditions.

Keeping a large group entertained for longer than just the meal can be difficult. Over the years, families and friends tend to start a ritual of pastime activities. Whether it is watching or playing football, playing a game of cards, or watching a movie, it is important to keep those traditions alive. It makes a celebration unique and gives your guests something to look forward to other than just the great food.

Take time to appreciate those around you.

Nothing is more special than spending time with friends and family. This holiday is all about sharing a meal and being thankful. Sometimes friends and family can be taken for granted. It’s moments like this that we should slow down and absorb the love and laughter in the room. If your family goes around the table and asks what you are thankful for, answer truthfully. If they do not, tell people that you are thankful for them. Even if they may know it, people love hearing it. Large family gatherings may have members you do not get to see that often, and it is always nice to hear that they are appreciated even when you don't see them regularly.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46517
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29490
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953754
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

163999
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments