It’s almost time to gather for food, fellowship, and family. I hope whatever you gather for or how your holiday will look that you enjoy it. Keep in mind that you must also make sure you take care of your mental health and more. So, today’s blog is suggestions on how to survive your holiday with a little humor, some recommendations, and more.
Thanksgiving Rules
There are many that many families follow. Follow the ones for you. For instance, we rarely dress up. Last year I had the flu and was so sick I honestly should have been hospitalized. We are the stretchy pants and pajama crew. So, if you facetime me expect to see my hair tied up in pin curls and me looking as comfortable as I can be. The long prayers are out at our house. Pray to the good lord in the way that seems fit for you. We are highly blessed and favored over here so short and sweet. There are no new dishes coming out. We have a set menu, and we only rotate desserts in our home.
Since we are causal and comfy do not do a pop up. We have a camera we will not answer unless you call us first. I personally run the streets so much that if for whatever reason we have down time we like to spend it quietly at home not entertaining others. I know that sounds mean but please do yourself a favor and call ahead or be prepared to stand outside in the cold.
Catching up during Thanksgiving
I love that I have some down time that I plan to read, watch television aka series, sleep, eat, and drink. Not in that order but you get the point. Here are my recommendations for what I plan to read, watch, and listen to:
Books
- Thicker than Water by Kerry Washington
- Walk through the Fire by Sheila Johnson
- Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith
- Woman Evolve by Sarah Jakes Roberts
- The Most Wonderful Time by Jayne Allen
- Power Moves by Sarah Jakes Roberts
- I did a new thing by Tabitha Brown
- Will by Will Smith
- The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis
- We Over me by Khadeem and Devale Ellis
- Black Girls must have it all by Jayne Allen
- The Love Habit by Rainie Howard
- Evolving while Black by Chianti Lomax
Podcast
- Ratchet and Respectable by Demetria L. Lucas
- The Problematic Podcast
- Toure Show
- 7 Good Minutes
- Cultivating H.E.R Space
- Is this going to cause an argument
- The Goop
- The Black Girls Voice Podcast with Shivaun Montgomery and Whitney Roberts
- Baby this is Keke Palmer
- Conversations with Toi
Christmas Albums
- Christmas with Brandy
- In December by Robert Glasper
- Fred Hammond Christmas… Just Remember
- A Tori Christmas by Tori Kelly
- A Classic Soul Christmas
- The Jackson 5 Christmas
- Charles Brown Sings Christmas Songs
- This is Christmas Luther Vandross
- The Temptation Christmas Card
- A Special Christmas with SWV
- Chipmunks Christmas by Alvin and the Chipmunks
Mental Health Tips
- Listen to a podcast or music while cooking or prepping
- Take breaks from people when you need them
- Get rest
- Stay hydrated
- Reconnect with a friend
- Increase self care
- Enjoy your food
- Don’t skip desserts
Rest is Good for the Soul
As much as I love people, I need to renew my time and mind. This means eating and sleeping at random intervals in my Comfy. I got that Comfy and I must admit I have used it almost daily since then. I love to be comfortable. Sleep is on my menu of things to do. So yes, I will be using my Sleepphones. Either way, here’s how I achieve good sleep. One attempt to enjoy a glass of red wine. Read my book or write in my journal. Always do my face routine. Lastly warm pajamas and good warm socks and a warm house does it for me every time.
Thanksgiving Group Chats
If I haven’t already actively chatted with you in a group chat, don’t add me on Thanksgiving Day. I get that many people do not call anymore. You can send me a text just not a group chat. I will ignore it. I have 4 group chats that I am actively in and only 3 of them of them that I am super active. The other one is for friend information that comes in every now and again. Outside of that I don’t care who it is I will ignore the group chat. Do send a text message because I am not always as good as I should be on actual phone calls, they seem awkward to me with people I don’t speak to on a regular basis.
Food Pics on Thanksgiving
There are so many ready to share to the world their culinary delight. Save the pics. We do not need them. Most good chefs rarely take them and the foolishness of stuff all over your plate, trust me it’s understand that you and everyone else is eating well. Enjoy that struggle plate beloved we do not need it.
Other than I do wish you and yours a great Thanksgiving Day no matter what you are eating. I don’t debate others on what they eat. There are things I won’t partake in. The day is about family and food. You do with it what you want. If a non-traditional day is what you need, please take it. Also if not being around your toxic family works than let it happen. If you deem yourself the toxic person and want to spend time away from others-please do. Either way enjoy your time off.
