Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just attending as a guest, a perfectly cooked turkey and delicious pumpkin pie aren’t all you’ll need to survive the holiday. There are always stresses and family drama that arise in the midst of this season that are oftentimes hard to avoid.
The good news is, there are ways to get around some of these situations. Follow these 5 tips to keep your Thanksgiving running as smoothly as possible.
Don’t Forget: There’s No Such Thing As Perfect.
There will always be hiccups and unexpected stresses that come up during the holidays. By adjusting your expectations, you’ll less likely be disappointed and take some pressure off yourself.
This is especially important to keep in mind if you’ve been through (or are going through) a divorce or separation. Allow yourself to let go of your notions of what “should be” and move toward accepting what is.
Keep Your Conversations Lighthearted.
The rule of thumb for family dinner, no matter the time of year, is to avoid discussions about the current state of politics. You’d also be advised to steer clear of sensitive topics such as a divorce or other lifestyle-specific discussions. You are not obligated to indulge in your family’s personally invasive questions or critiques. To avoid any issues, simply acknowledge the person’s concern, thank them, and change subjects.
Run a Turkey Trot.
For many people, exercise is their daily method of dealing with stress and maintaining good mental health. Thanksgiving should be no different. Whether you go for a run or walk, stepping outside if you need a break from family might be a lifesaver.
Remind Your Guests to Behave at Dinner.
If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, offer a toast at the beginning of your meal to thank your guests for attending and gently remind them to play nice. Something like, “In honor of this holiday of gratitude, let’s focus on our many blessings and all the things that unite us around this table.”
If you’re not hosting, you can still politely be the voice of reason if situations get uncomfortable.
Seat Your Guests Strategically.
Consider a seating plan with name cards to make choosing a seat less awkward for first-time guests or significant others. Seat elders next to younger family members and introverts next to extroverts to mix it up. If you’re aware of any preexisting drama, keep those involved separated.
Follow these tips and you’ll position yourself and your guests to revel in the true spirit of Thanksgiving: family, friends, food, festivities and fun… minus all of the drama.
From our team to all of you, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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If you have any questions about collaborative divorce or child custody in the Tampa Bay area, then hire one of the top divorce lawyers. Call us: (813) 907-9807
Anton Garcia Law
(813) 907-9807
Christina Anton Garcia
Partner
Described as “an extremely passionate and energetic individual who loves life and lives it to the fullest,” Christina Anton Garcia is a force—equal parts powerhouse attorney, fearless entrepreneur, and relentless advocate for families. Her personal motto? “Every day, you must make some time to laugh and smile—no matter what.” And it’s that joyful tenacity that powers both her life and her law firm.
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