Thanksgiving is upon us, that magical day of feasting, football, and family reunions. Whether you're hosting the feast or packing up to spend a long weekend with Aunt Edna and her "famous" cranberry Jell-O salad, we've got you covered with some sanity-saving tips to help you keep your cool (and maybe even have a little fun).
- Airport Survival Kit: Don't Leave Home Without It
We get it: airports are like competitive sports during the holidays. Book your flights early, know the TSA rules (no, Aunt Edna can't bring her "special" cranberry sauce through security), and pack ID or passport if needed. Go prepared, and avoid having a Home Alone moment at the gate.
- Travel Light - We Mean It
Unless you're relocating for good, resist the urge to pack your entire wardrobe. Ditch the checked bag, keep your stuff close, and avoid the whole "Oops, where's my suitcase?" scenario. Worst case, your cousin's sweater collection is fair game if you need an outfit change.
- Know Who's Showing Up (And What They're Bringing)
Let's avoid that classic moment of too many casseroles, not enough cranberry sauce. Get a headcount and a sense of who's bringing what. If you're a guest, knowing the guest list means you can plan to bring an extra pie (or just enough patience).
- Plan Your Menu and Shop Early - Seriously, Just Do It
Procrastinators, beware: by Thanksgiving week, stores look like a scene from The Hunger Games. Start your shopping early, bring your coupons, and stock up while you can. And remember, food prices are up this year, so every coupon counts. Extra mashed potatoes will be worth it.
- Frozen Turkey? Gobble Up the Savings
The earlier you grab a frozen turkey, the better. Plus, it's usually cheaper than fresh, and no one wants to hunt down the last bird in the freezer section. Just don't forget to thaw it - the microwave isn't going to cut it.
- Conversation Cards - Save Your Sanity, One Card at a Time
We know family discussions can get… interesting, especially in election years. Help dodge the drama with pre-prepared conversation cards. Stick to light-hearted topics like new movies, favorite music, and any recent family milestones. A little preparation goes a long way to keep dinner drama-free.
Happy Thanksgiving from One Nevada-may your potatoes be buttery, your pie plentiful, and your family debates limited to who's doing the dishes.