How To Have A Stress Free Thanksgiving From Soup To Nuts..

Thanksgiving is lots of fun, but it can also be incredibly stressful. As you look at your to do list, and realize that every day you get one step closer to the blessed event, things can get to be quite overwhelming.

Since I can recall my first Thanksgiving dinner vividly, I know what kind of pressure you might be under right now. There are joys, stresses, and challenges that go along with every perfect roll that you are envisioning, as well as ever stuffing, turkey, and vegetable you are preparing too much. I went through some terrible anxiety trying to make sure everything was perfect. No one wants to be know as the one who was responsible for the turkey that tastes like wood. I’m sure that each of us, know of a horror story that has been talked about around the thanksgiving table, or we have been the center of one and that is never fun. So, I figured I would share some of what I learned in this series called how to have a stress-free holiday.

Thanksgiving is the first of the holidays, so we are going to tackle that one first.

First, things first figure out what you are cooking, and get a great deal.

Narrowing down your list of must have items can be a very emotional experience. You know there are certain things that you can remember eating when you were younger, and probably a few things that you absolutely hated.

Every person that comes to dinner will have a favorite, so you can cut yourself some slack, and encourage your guests to bring the items they most want to have, and you can concentrate on your core items and your families personal favorites.

Second, set a budget. Don’t go overboard trying to buy an incredibly large turkey that no one is going to eat or appreciate after dinner is over. There are lots of great sales going on that will even help you get your turkey free. I found this announcement from BJ’s.

With a purchase of five qualifying products, you’ll get a Free Butterball Frozen Turkey (9-12 lbs.).

The select items available to qualify are:

• Del Monte Cut Green Beans- 8 pack

• Any Coca-Cola Product- 4 pack/2 Liters

• Knorr Pasta and Rice Side Dishes- 8 pack

· Pillsbury Frozen Biscuits- 36 count

• Jonathan T’s Frozen Puff Pastry Collection- 80 count

• Mama’s Frozen Jumbo Cheese Ravioli- 4 lbs.

• Reynolds Turkey Pan with Bag- 2 pack

• Stove Top Stuffing- 48 oz.

• Swanson Natural Chicken Broth- 3 pack/32 oz.

• Pillsbury Pie Crusts- 3 pack

The coupon can be used at any BJ’s locations now through November 13. If you’re not a club member, you can still shop and save. The wholesale club is offering a Free 60-Day Trial Membership, which can be activated until December 31. The risk-free, trial membership consists of full-member benefits and no surcharge.

Three, break the process up into pieces, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you are not going to get everything done in a day either. So don’t even try. Think about what you need to accomplish and look to see what you need to do this week, and what you are going to wait until next week, to do. Make sure you write this down so one you have some accountability and two, so you don’t start to put everything off until the end the Thanksgiving week.

Most of all remember, this doesn’t have to be hard. This is supposed to be a fun time with family and friends so don’t let the task of doing it stop you from enjoying it.

Stay tuned for episode number 2…. More goodies to come!