Dreading the Chaos of Thanksgiving? 3 Simple Steps to Stay Grounded
Thanksgiving is here, and while it’s meant to be a joyful time, it can feel anything but. Being out of your comfort zone—whether it’s traveling, facing family pressures, or managing expectations—can turn the holiday into a breeding ground for anxiety. The good news? It doesn’t have to.
You don’t need to let anxiety steal the joy this season has to offer. Here’s how to navigate common triggers with calm, confidence, and flexibility.
Step 1: Acceptance
Anxiety often shows up with a long list of “rules”:
“You can’t handle this if you’re not in control.”
“What if something goes wrong?”
“You need to do everything perfectly.”
Start by acknowledging the anxiety when it shows up. Instead of fighting it, try saying:
“Here’s anxiety, telling me I need to control everything.”
“I don’t have to like this feeling, but I can let it be here.”
When you accept that anxiety may show up, you free yourself from its grip. It’s just a feeling—it doesn’t have to define your experience.
Step 2: Reframe
Anxiety likes to tell you that unless you control everything, you won’t be okay. That’s simply not true. You can handle discomfort, even when things don’t go perfectly.
Try reframing anxious thoughts:
Instead of: “I need everything to be perfect.”
Try: “Connection matters more than perfection.”Instead of: “What if something goes wrong?”
Try: “I may not control everything, but I can handle it.”
Flexibility isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: connection, joy, and the moments that make Thanksgiving meaningful.
Step 3: Challenge Yourself in Small Ways
Anxiety often convinces us that we need to follow its rules 100% or risk falling apart. But the truth? You don’t have to choose between “all or nothing.” Growth happens in small, manageable steps.
Ask yourself:
“Where can I challenge anxiety, even in the slightest way?”
“What’s one small step I can take to push back against anxiety’s grip?”
For example:
If you feel pressure to make everything perfect, delegate one task—even if it means things might get messy.
If germs are a concern, try taking precautions without following every anxious ritual.
If family dynamics feel overwhelming, commit to staying present for just one moment at a time.
Each time you challenge anxiety’s rules, you build confidence. Can you imagine how it would feel to go against anxiety’s grip and see that everything turns out just fine?
Remember This
Anxiety loves to convince you that you can’t handle things unless you’re in control. But you are capable. You may not control every aspect of Thanksgiving, but you can handle whatever comes your way.
This holiday, it’s not about eliminating anxiety—it’s about showing up anyway. Each small step away from anxiety’s rules is a step toward freedom and joy.
You’ve got this. Anxiety may try to call the shots, but you have the power to push back. This Thanksgiving, embrace flexibility, let go of control, and focus on creating memories.
Final Thoughts
Imagine sitting at the Thanksgiving table feeling calm and connected. No overthinking, no spiraling—just being in the moment. That’s the holiday you deserve, and it’s within your reach.
Take it one step at a time, and remind yourself: “I may not control everything, but I can handle it.”