3 Suggestions for Surviving Thanksgiving

Ready or not, the holidays are upon us. At this time last year, we were at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many of us didn’t gather like we typically would. By all accounts, it appears more people will be celebrating with family this holiday season, and that’s a good thing—but it can also be stressful. Oh, I know. We’ve all got a visual perception of what the ideal family gathering might look like. The trouble is, none of us have an ideal family. Do you know a family with no problems? (If you do, they have a problem with dishonesty). What family doesn’t have a drunk Uncle Bob who votes on the opposite side of the political aisle and loves to discuss politics over dinner? Do you think you’ll agree with everyone at the table on vaccine mandates and the state of the nation? Yeah, me neither.

Jesus was no stranger to tense family dinners. Remember the Last Supper? Your holiday meal might be stressful, but it probably won’t be as awkward as an impromptu foot washing, and it’s doubtful the host will predict one of the guests will betray Him (John 13). Surely, if Jesus can eat a meal with Judas—knowing he was on the brink of betraying him—we can sit through a meal with drunk Uncle Bob. Here are three suggestions for the day:

1). Be rich in grace. Come to the table mindful that all people are flawed and need grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to be grace dispensers. I don’t know about you, but I’ve required loads of grace over the years—and I still do. So, who am I to withhold it from anyone else? The apostle John explains it best,  “Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness,  for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ” (John 1:16-17).

2). If you are hosting, view it as an opportunity to serve your people. I’m going to be blunt; the mammoth task of hosting a holiday gathering often falls to the woman of the house. If that is the case, God bless you. But keep in mind, you’ll set the emotional thermostat for the gathering. If you’re stressed out, your guests will feel it. So, let go of the notion of perfection (it doesn’t exist, and it would be boring anyway). And resist the temptation to be a kitchen martyr—you know what I’m talking about here. Ask other guests to bring side dishes so the lion’s share of the cooking doesn’t all fall on you. If you can, buy some things that reduce the workload. Frozen pies, anyone? Premade crusts? It’s not about having a perfect meal or showcasing your home. It’s about creating a space for your people to come together and celebrate. If you approach the day as a way to be kind and serve your guests, at the end of the day (when exhaustion sets in), you’ll be glad you did. Jesus said, “The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matt. 23:11). So, let’s serve our people.

3). Gratitude is key. It’s been a rough couple of years for all of us. The pandemic has cost all of us something. But if we’re still here to celebrate, we’ve got plenty of reason to give thanks. I encourage you to spend some time thinking about the things you are most grateful for and if those include people in your life, be sure to tell them. Also, spend some time in prayer telling God why you are thankful.  The psalmist wrote, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name”(Psa. 100:4). And while we’re at it, let’s carry that attitude with us 365 days a year, shall we?