I am going to give some Thanksgiving advice regarding family.   We all have our own little dynamics.

Some bring joy, others well right now there are many who are thinking of ways to avoid their family.

I think many people have a problem with these gatherings because of their expectations of the day.  Who doesn’t want to have the perfect dinner with family gathered around?   A gorgeous table with everyone smiling and laughing.  The Norman Rockwell standard of what Thanksgiving should look like.

I think that the problem is that we put the pressure on it being perfect instead of letting everything happen as it plays out.   Not how we want it to.    The minute that we have a single thing not happen how we desire we start to feel negative emotions.    It starts a cascade of emotions that will start to ruin the experience. What you focus on is what will happen.   So isn’t it better to focus on the positive?

Don’t let the day be ruined

My best advice to get through Thanksgiving and then Christmas with difficult people is to not allow them to ruin your day.   Let it go.   Laugh when things go wrong.   Go with the flow.   Be willing to change the plans.    Be willing to forgive those that are running late.   Meet an angry person with a smile and empathy.   They may be filled with anxiety about the day as well.   Compassion can go a long way on a stressful day.   You do realize that the Universe does not revolve around you; right?!

Focus on gratitude on this day.   Find joy in the tasks you need to accomplish to pull off a large family affair.   Enjoy a laugh or two — even if it is at your expense.  Invite someone who has no where to go or create a new tradition with friends and family.    It is after all what Thanksgiving is all about….