Healthy Habits: Thanksgiving Marathons: Finding the Right Balance of Food and Fun

Thanksgiving weekend is not for the faint of heart. Between the food, travel and getting together with family and friends, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and commit to doing too much—and we didn’t even mention the sports! This holiday season, take a measured approach to your revelry. With a little planning, you can partake in all the holiday season has to offer, without living to regret it. Check out our tips below to maximize the fun and minimize the stress for the whole family this year.

1. Travel smart. Thanksgiving is notorious for being the most hectic travel day of the year. That said, it’s totally possible to make it to see your family and friends. Travel before or after the holiday if you can. If not, carpool with a friend or try to take advantage of public transportation. Of course, travel sober and arrive at your destination safely.
2. Include the whole family. It’s easy for kids to get lost in the shuffle of holiday planning, but remember you’re helping them build and shape the holiday traditions they’ll always cherish. Talk about the history of Thanksgiving, teach them how to make Grandma’s stuffing, and enjoy the time to relax and spend time together.
3. Enjoy the game. Football has become a cherished feature of many American Thanksgivings. Some head out for a game of touch before watching the game at home, and some layer up and head to the arena to see the action in person. This year’s Thanksgiving Day games will be played in Detroit, Dallas and Washington, D.C., so figure out your game day plan soon. If you’re going to the game, wear warm clothes and beg your family to save you some turkey.
4. Allow for a splurge and learn to say no. Whether it’s a special bottle of wine, surprise tickets for you and a family member to the big game, or just a train ride home, remember that the holidays are a special time, and it’s okay to treat yourself. There’s evidence that planning for a splurge actually helps people stick to their budget better in the long run. The other side of the coin is that spreading yourself too thin can make for a stressful holiday. Try to strike that balance this Thanksgiving. That may mean saying no to a party invitation, planning a simpler menu or doing some DIY decorations. It’s a good lesson to model for the kids, and a good one to remember for yourself.
5. Be thankful and generous. Whatever your Thanksgiving looks like this year, remember to be thankful for the food on your table and the people you love. Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to focus on the simple things that make life great: a delicious meal and the chance to be together with family and friends. For some people, Thanksgiving may be a difficult time, whether because of financial hardship, broken relationships or distance. If you can, make room at your table for someone who needs it.

This year, focus on the best that Thanksgiving has to offer, and plan smart. You can stay happy and sane, all while making the most of the holidays and spending time together as a family. Build new traditions and keep up the old ones. Your kids may remember the delicious meal and the football game, but they won’t forget the happy times they spent gathered around the table. And neither will you. 

About the Author

Adam Young is a father of two based in Orlando, Florida. He’s also the founder and CEO of Event Tickets Center.