The most important facet of Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude. Unfortunately, the sentiment gets lost when an awkward situation arises.
“Learning to navigate your way through a difficult situation over the holidays, helps to keep the peace and spread amity,” says Dustyn Shroff, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.
In the event that your dinner becomes uncomfortable, below are some tips for a graceful Thanksgiving.
Change the Conversation
Presidential election years produce a turbulent environment with friends and family. Mostly likely those you are gathering with are divided along party lines. As told to NPR, Miss Manners, aka Judith Martin advises people to follow the age-old rule, “don’t talk politics.”
However, politics is not the only hot button topic to cause a fracas. Family issues, unsolicited advice and critical responses can ruin civility. Try to practice restraint in conversations. Keep discussions light and recount to others why you are thankful.
“I would like to take this time to express my sincere gratitude to our amazing GreatFlorida Insurance agents and staff for all their hard work to make GreatFlorida a success. I also want to thank all of our customers, it is our honor and pleasure to serve you,” says Buck.
Food Fails
While Thanksgiving is a day of appreciation, it revolves around the feast. Epic food fails are ripe for the occasion. Bustling activity in the kitchen, can cause you to forget something in the oven or forget something is in the oven.
With this is mind, delegate table setting and drink re-fills, giving people a job and getting them involved. Ask others to bring their specialty side dishes, drinks or desserts.
Food fails are heartbreaking. The time, money and effort put in to making a dish and suddenly- it’s gone. If this happens to you, Thanksgiving is not ruined, reframe your thinking. Let your disaster become the source of laughter, creating memorable situations and photos.
Re-evaluate Traditions
If maintaining certain traditions is causing stress and exhaustion, change is necessary. For instance, catering to specific dietary restrictions and scheduling needs can quickly lead to frustration.
In an article for Psychology Today, Dr. Karen Rancourt revealed, “It is surprising how many family members willingly accept, adapt and even embrace new approaches that replace frustrating, upsetting or exhausting traditions.” She suggests, “Create new traditions that better reflect family members’ evolving and changing needs.”
GreatFlorida Insurance offers competitive prices on Florida homeowners insurance. We work with reputable companies across the U.S. to find the right policy for you.
