News Taffy

Funny. If you google the perfect Thanksgiving for men, you get comments about eating, napping and watching football. The same google search for women yields recipe and menu ideas, and tips for remaining calm while trying to provide the perfect family holiday. I asked my husband what the perfect Thanksgiving meant for him, and I heard the same thing. How has it evolved that women do most of the work and men do most of the enjoying? Before you men start to protest, I realize that many men do cook on Thanksgiving, my father was one of them. Even though women may look forward to Christmas shopping over the long weekend, it is also work, trudging through the malls trying to find the perfect gift for everyone while lugging heavy bags.

In the interest of harmony and a better holiday for everyone, here are a few tips because sanity is important for good health.

All adults should help in some way on Thanksgiving day. Divide up the chores: shopping, cooking, cleaning, setting the table, taking care of the kids, etc. Older children should help too. If everyone knows their jobs ahead of time, things will go more smoothly. Ask guests to bring something, even if it is just rolls or drinks.

If you are the guest, take something. An appetizer, a coffee cake for breakfast or some holiday themed paper napkins and a bottle of wine. Don’t just offer to help clean up, get up and clear the table, dry the dishes and take out the trash.

Sometimes keeping the kids out of the way and from fighting with one another is a big help, especially if there will be a large gathering. Plan some activities that are age appropriate and that will get everyone moving. Bad things happen when kids have too much energy and nothing constructive to do. Weather permitting, get everyone outside for a game of dodgeball or flag football. Take them to the park and let them rip. Inside, have someplace set up for crafts with paper, colors and stickers. For older kids, get some old fashioned games like Monopoly, CatchPhrase or Charades. Get the adults to join in the games for some multi-generational bonding.

Make sure you and your spouse have time to relax and do something fun over the long weekend. If he wants to watch the big game on Thanksgiving and another on Saturday with the guys, he should take care of the kids while she shops on Friday with her friends. Everyone will get along better if their needs are being met and compromises are made in advance.

Last, be on your best behavior. Try to enjoy the time you spend with relatives as you may never see them again. Steer the conversation away from hot topics by asking about someone’s vacation, their grandchild, or some other happier subject. Most of all, be thankful for the blessings you have.