To host or not to host? {Tips for Making Thanksgiving Memorable!}

In a recent class on, “How to Handle Holiday Stress” one person suggested putting a basket at the front door. As each guest arrives, have them take a piece of paper from the basket. On each piece of paper, the guest will find a chore: set table, dishes, sweep floor, etc…

It is like magic, all the stress of hosting disappears! FIRST, because you don’t have the weight of all that is involved with setting up, hosting, and cleaning up. And SECOND, because your guests will never return to your house for another event {insert sarcasm here}!

Okay, I admit it. I added the sarcastic statement in the last sentence. The person in this class was SERIOUS about the basket of chores. They thought it was a good solution. My advice. If you are incline to put a basket of chores at the door, DO NOT HOST! It would not be a favorable or loving thing to do for yourself or anyone who comes to your house.

Just because you are female, a daughter, a sister, a mother, a friend, or a professional cook does not mean you have to host a holiday gathering. Know your strengths and season of life. Accept who God has created you to be and allow those to host that love to do it! Don’t step into people’s shoes you are not suppose to fill. It is perfectly okay to be a guest. People who love to host are counting on you to show up! If no one in your family likes to host, go out!

If you are a person who looks forward to having a houseful this Thanksgiving, I have shared some of my favorite ideas for creating a special gathering for your guests in the post below! Included are some beautiful printables created by Mindy Pongpanik. If you are a guest, there is something special for you as well!

The following printables can be printed and placed at your guest’s place setting to read and create. ENJOY!

Thanksgiving quotes ~ A gift: Thanksgiving quotes and scriptures for you to print and share at each place setting or as a pillow gift.

Thanksgiving folded story ~ A game: Make a Thanksgiving memory, one line at a time!

Thanksgiving Proclamation ~ A reading: The Thanksgiving Proclamation written by President George Washington on October 3, 1789.

Thanksgiving Table Liturgy ~ A liturgy: Create a meaningful Thanksgiving experience with mealtime questions, activities, prayers, and readings from Aaron Niequist ~ The Practice. Beautiful!

In addition to these fun Thanksgiving printable resources, I am sharing two of my favorite Thanksgiving blog posts written by Joanna Weaver & Angela Howard.

Many times the holidays do not feel filled with joy and hope. If this time of year is not what you wished it could be, please read The Art of Gratitude post by Joanna Weaver. I promise, it will encourage you.

If this describes how you feel, it is important to me that you know, you are not alone. Another great post I read just this morning and couldn’t wait to share it with you! When the Holidays Aren’t Very Happy by my friend, Angela Howard.

Whereever life finds you today, know that you are greatly appreciated and loved!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Angela