Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus
- Phillipians 4:6 & 7 NIV
FOCUS: Before you plunge into Thanksgiving busyness, take a moment to think. I know you want to do it all, but you can't. So what's most important to you? Do you want a formal dinner enough that you're willing to work for it? Do you want to reach out to the community so much that you're willing to sacrifice family time? Do you want to spend more time with your family, even if that means swinging by the bakery, instead of making your famous pecan pie? Let your highest priority guide your plans. Whether you celebrate Thanksgiving with a formal turkey dinner by candlelight, or with pizza on the couch, do what is right for you and your family, not what you think you "should" do. Give thanks for your freedom!
Don't let an imaginary perfect holiday overshadow your real life holiday. Thank God for his abundant love and blessings, let your loved ones know that they are loved, and receive love offered to you. Remember, perfection is God's job, not yours.
THURSDAY (TWO WEEKS BEFORE THANKSGIVING): Make a menu plan for the whole day, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks. Keep your budget in mind and don't go over. Plan to use kind words, and creative decorating, to make the day special, not store-bought accessories. If you invited company, plan activities for them. Keep them occupied, and they'll be easier to manage. This rule is just as important for the children as for those unruly adults! If you're the guest, take some board games with you. You can always leave them in the car. That way, if the hostess has plans, you aren't imposing. If not, you're prepared. Do your guests all watch football? Have some outdoor games and indoor games ready If your guests stay over, where will they sleep? Call guests (or host, if you are the guest) to find out who's planning to bring what. If you plan to stay home with your family, plan preparation activities that your children can do, to get them in the spirit of the holiday. Began purchasing what you need that will keep in the freezer or cupboard, a little at a time, whenever you go to the grocery store.
MONDAY (10 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING): Ask your kids to pick out unused toys, and outgrown clothes and shoes, to be given to charity. Explain that other children will love and use them (it's important to explain, or they won't want to give up their stuff, even if they don't use it). Trash goes in the trash. Let your children pick a charity to donate good items to, and let them go with you to drop them off. You do the same for your bedroom, kitchen, living room and bathrooms. Just take 15 minutes to de-clutter each room. Don't make this a major project! Grab it, stuff it in the bag, and don't look back! If you really want to do more than 15 minutes per room, take more than one day to do it. Don't pull out stuff that you want that can't be put back immediately. Remember that you could use the extra room and peace that decluttering brings; but also that the holiday season is not the time to take on a project.
TUESDAY (9 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING): Wash sheets and towels for overnight guests. Prepare guest bedrooms/bathrooms.
WEDNESDAY (8 DAYS BEFORE THANKSGIVING): Wash your tablecloth, cloth napkins and other linens that you want to use for Thanksgiving. Clean your kitchen. Don't go crazy here... just make it workable and liveable.
