Sometimes, things go wrong.  Sometimes, things go right.  Appreciate when the day goes as planned.  It’s always hard to plan a nice holiday dinner.  Getting ready and going to the grocery store take time and money, but if everything goes well it’s a great feeling.  If everything doesn’t go well, it feels awful.  Thanksgiving has the potential to be a nice day, or to be a mess.  This is hoping that your day was pleasant, with good food and family.

                Whenever a holiday comes around, think about the basic goal.  Whenever I think about the goal of a family gathering, I think about the family gathering together.  If I think about a gathering for friends, the goal of the gathering is to see friends and talk about events.  Although there is usually food involved, food is not the most important goal of the day.  Just like Thanksgiving, the goal is to gather with friends and give thanks.  The food is a benefit but not the goal.  You can give thanks for your blessings without a turkey and stuffing, so don’t worry if the turkey doesn’t turn out, or the potatoes are cold by the time you eat.  Enjoy friends or family or both.

                The other goal of a holiday is to have a day that allows you to relax.  I know that some families are not relaxing, and for that, you also have to plan for that accordingly. Stay focused on the goal of seeing family, even if seeing them doesn’t bring relaxation or a stress free day.  Take some time later in the day, when everyone is gone (or you are home), to do something that brings you joy.  Watch your favorite movie.  Have your favorite dessert.  Don’t let the day go by without doing something nice for yourself.

                We all have the power to have a good and fine day.  We have the power to think about things in a way that gives us power, even if we don’t think we have any power.   If seeing family doesn’t bring you joy, give yourself credit for going for even one family member that you want to see.   Manage your expectations, and redefine what makes a good day.  A good day can be a holiday without yelling.  It can be a holiday without a major disaster, or it can simply be making it through and going to bed in your own bed.  It’s all about what you make of it, and your goals.

                Thanksgiving is one of those times when people get together out of obligation, or genuine care.  It can be about family and friends, and food and more, but it can also be about stress and sadness and grief.  Find a way to finish your day, or weekend, with events that help you be thankful for what you have.  Don’t let negativity get you down, or get in the way of your happiness.  So have a fine day.  Enjoy dinner with loved ones if you can, and give thanks for your blessings.   You have a fine day, or a miserable one, but it’s up to you.  Focus on the positive.  It’s all a part of being happy for life.