Thanksgiving ramblings

Thanksgiving, what thoughts does it evoke? Family, food, togetherness, thanksfulness, STRESS. For many people the stress of the holiday can overshadow what it is really about! 

I was reading in a magazine this past week. They had included  Holiday recipes and meal plans. One of the writers mentioned that she had come to the understanding that her holiday meals did not need to be elaborate. She made comment in this article that She did not need to create 6 side dishes; two well prepared dishes were more than enough.  I have taken that to heart this year as I am planning for Thanksgiving.  As I am planning, I am also paring down the menu. There is something about a simply prepared meal that is warming to the soul. 

 I am excited to have my husband's relatives over for the holidays. I am ready to enjoy the season and enjoy the good food. But more than that, I am looking forward to spending time getting to know them better. Developing a relationship with them is important to me. Nourishing my relationships is what I want to focus on this year.

IT IS NOT ABOUT FOOD, FOOD, AND MORE FOOD!  I remember a year where we ended up with more pies then people. How crazy is that, a pie for each of us and more to share! It was insane. Christmas was nearly as bad that year. It was overwhelming. That year my Mother decided it was enough. We spent the next few years getting it back under control.

BACK TO THE BASICS!
This year I am striving to get back to the basics of Thanksgiving. Enjoying the company and not worrying so much about the details. 

Now it is your turn. I would love to hear all your thoughts about the holidays! What are you doing to enjoy the holidays?  How are you managing (or eliminating) holiday stress?  Any tips or hints?  Leave a comment below