Sometimes Thanksgiving takes more than it gives back. Sometimes the cost of a perfect day, a 25 lb golden turkey, and grandma’s secret dressing equals the sum total of your sanity and a little part of your soul. The holidays are not for the weak.

Don’t get me wrong though, I love the meal and the obligatory “tell us what you’re thankful for” traditions. I love to see my kids dressed up just a little more than their daily sweatpants. I certainly love the leftovers. For most of us, we know this day is a mixed bag. But that doesn’t mean we have to be resigned to the panic and anxiety of what will inevitably be a hard day with good people.

So, I would recommend a little pro-active self-care this year as you head into this Turkey day. Go ahead and decide that this day will not win. Your Aunt Deloris and her weird stories about that rash on her thigh WILL NOT WIN. Politics or Joe Biden or Trump or Covid, they are officially uninvited for your Thanksgiving meal.  Kyle Rittenhouse, Kamala Harris, the battered and suffering seals in the arctic . . . sorry. They don’t get a slice of your Thanksgiving bliss this year.

I’m giving you permission! Guilt-free and with some attitude, eat your dessert first. Hold a Turkey leg like a barbarian. Hug your mom and dad. Watch the Iron Bowl. Scream at the TV. Eat a piece of pie. Then another. Put on your stretchy pants. Take a nap. Count your blessings.

This day is worth so much more than the grief we’ve been giving it. Take it back this year by celebrating what matters most—Jesus, his good gifts, and those sitting at the table with you.