"It was the best of times; it was the worst of times."

Dickens wasn't talking about Thanksgiving, but he could have been.

Thanksgiving: the holiday made for food lovers, the holiday so often skipped over, the holiday right after Election Day, the holiday that brought us Black Friday.

So many things can go right. So many things can go wrong.

Some of the greatest television episodes ever are Thanksgiving specials. By sharing some examples, I'm going to give some advice on how to survive Thanksgiving.

1. If something exciting happens outside, make sure not to lock yourselves out and burn all of the food. (Got the keys?)

via princessconsuela on Tumblr

2. Lots of people make multiple stops on Thanksgiving, but make sure not to stretch yourself too thin... even Rory and Lorelai could barely handle a deep fried Korean Thanksgiving.

via gilmoregifs on Tumblr

3. Don't get too attached to the turkey before you eat it, and be thankful you're not the one who convicted it to die.

via beckisbookshelf on Tumblr

4. Don't bring up old fights with any of your family members unless you want to be wrestling over a football when dinner is served.

via thingslearnedfromfriends.blogspot.com

5. Definitely don't engage in any slap bets shortly before or on Thanksgiving Day, or you might have a handprint on your face as you eat your meal.

via strongerthaneyewas on Tumblr

6. Try to avoid finding deceased neighbors in their homes, or you might have one of these looks on your face.

via New Girl Wiki

And remember, if things ever get too heated (whether it be the food or the conversation), don't be afraid to offer some comic relief.

via londongrumblr on Tumblr