Thanksgiving Tips

We had such a fantastic Thanksgiving today.  I can't believe how less stressed I was this year - no tears, no frozen bird, everything was ready at one time. FANTASTIC!  It was so good to have the family over, the food was delicious, and the best part - my Mother-In-Law and Aunt did ALL of the dishes for me!!

A few things that helped me prepare for having the major holiday at my house.
1.  Taking the week off of work. Not only was I able to get a lot of preparation done, I was able to hang out with my Mom.  We did most of her Christmas shopping Tuesday and had fun going out to lunch.  We'll be decorating her house for Christmas the rest of this weekend.

2.  Cleaning most of the house the weekend before Thanksgiving.  Since it took me 3-4 hours to clean each room of the house, I never would have gotten everything cleaned.  I was able to do just quick general cleaning last night and the house looked really good.
3.  Going to the grocery store at 6AM.  I had to make a few trips to the store and all were made EARLY in the morning.  No lines, great parking space
4.  Lists, lists, lists.  Making lists and a schedule for everything really helped.  I had cleaning lists, shopping lists, cooking lists, and lists of things I wanted to do this week.  The only thing I haven't done on my list - clean my sewing room.  Will tackle that tomorrow.
5.  My Mother.  I can't begin to tell you how much she helped me.  Making an appetizer, cornbread dressing, letting me borrow chairs, serving pieces, etc., going shopping with me, and countless other things.  It was also so great to see her be able to spend time with her grandchildren instead of cooking in the kitchen.  I was really happy to be able to host Thanksgiving to give her a break and for her to be able to enjoy the holiday.

6.  And of course, my husband.  I can't thank him enough for putting up with all my crazy planning and demands for the holiday.  When he realizes something is important to me, he gets the job done.  He was able to schedule the new window installation and make sure they were done before the holiday. (Last year he made sure all of the remodeling was done before Thanksgiving)  He helped me with the cleaning, did a superb job frying the turkey, and was just all around helpful.  Not sure if he realized when he married me that we'd be hosting Thanksgiving.  He's completely opposite me - so quiet, laid back and more of a hermit.  He's never complained about hosting the family or tried to talk me out of taking over this holiday.  (I think he actually enjoys having everyone over). 

Hope you had a fantastic Thanksgiving!  Time for some rest.