So I have some recommendations and words of encouragement for everyone partaking in Thanksgiving this week, especially if you find it to be a stressful experience.
First things first, just remember to breathe, ok? You've got this. Really.
Alright. If you're hosting this year, make sure to give yourself enough time to prep your place. If you're having a rowdy crowd, remember to move your breakables somewhere safe if possible. Get plenty of napkins and cups and utensils. I recommend having a sharpie on hand so your guests can write their names on their drinks- you can save plastic that way. Make sure there's plenty of toilet paper in the bathroom. I'm sure they'll have a great time.
If you're going somewhere else, then remember to go to the bathroom before you go. Traffic can be a real pain in the ass, and you never really know when you'll be able to go next. And hopefully, throughout the day, you'll be hydrating yourself, which will definitely be worth the price of having to pee more often maybe.
And remember to breathe, ok? You've got this. I believe in you.
Now you're there, "at Thanksgiving." Anyone can be there, for better or worse. If your favorite cousin that you haven't seen since last year is there, stick by them! You're probably not annoying them too badly, and even then, they only have to deal with you once a year, so don't worry about it too much. On the other hand, if your senile great-aunt has the conviction to tell you that your pursuit of a career in theatre will lead you to starve, even though she can't remember your name or who you are, extricate yourself from that conversation as soon as possible! You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.
If it's getting to be too much, see if you can take a moment outside or in the bathroom or in the basement or wherever you can find a little solitude and catch up with yourself. A couple minutes for that can go a long way. If you know you might need some alone time, bring along some homework (lord knows you've got a lot to do over the break). In any case, it might help to wash your face and get a drink of water.
And remember to breathe, ok? You've got this. If it's not alright, it's gonna be.
When it comes to the food, don't feel pressured to eat cousin so-and-so's somethingfood just because they made it with love. This is a holiday! It's alright to act like it. If you're partial to it, remember to save some room for dessert. Some people might say the dessert is the best part of Thanksgiving. And if you're one of those people, try not to let people who aren't shame you into not acting like you feel that way.
Over the course of the evening, you might come across some drunk/racist/ignorant relative clichés. How you deal with them is up to your style, but personally I'd try and avoid conflict, except when glaringly necessary. If you're more comfortable getting into serious discussions with your extended family members, more power to you. I've just found that often they aren't really interested in learning new things.
When it's over, take stock of yourself, and grab a drink of water.
And remember to breathe, ok? You did it.
Meanwhile, try and think thankful thoughts, and enjoy the turkey (or whatever you're eating).
Happy Thanksgiving!
