It’s that wonderful time of year again. The air is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colours, and you just got invited to three turkey dinners. Unfortunately the holidays come a large amount of stress deriving from judgemental family members to trying to find the perfect outfit. Either way, this Thanksgiving survival guide has got you covered.
Outfits
At Thanksgiving, comfort is incredibly important. When you inevitably reach for that second serving of mashed potatoes – because let’s be real, it’s going to happen – you will regret wearing those skinny jeans. However, comfort does not have to mean sweats and your UVic hoodie. I’ve put together two comfortable yet stylish outfits that you can definitely have seconds (and maybe even thirds) in.
Outfit 1
It’s fall which means it’s finally time to bring out our knit articles. This loose fitting sweater dress works great for a casual get–together or can be dressed up for a formal family dinner with some patterned tights and a sleek clutch. Either way, it’s perfect for the Thanksgiving binge eat.
Outfit 2
Sweater Cami Pants Shoes Clutch
If you’re not partial to dresses, this outfit is for you. Never underestimate a pair of loose fitting pants. These ones will be your best friend during the holiday festivities and will look cute to boot with this flirty cami. Pair them with some statement shoes and a cable knit sweater and you’ll be ready for everything from crisp fall walks to carving the turkey.
Relatives
Holidays mean spending time with your family and reconnecting with all your loved ones. If family is anything like mine though, “reconnecting” can be a synonym for a full on interrogation about your personal life. Below are the three worst questions you can be asked at a family reunion and your new response to them.
HAVE YOU PICKED A MAJOR YET?
For those of you who have their whole life planned out, congratulations! Family get-togethers should be a breeze. For the rest of us who are unsure about everything except what to watch next on Netflix, this question can be a bit more difficult.
Your response: The best thing to do here is avoid the question completely. Instead give long descriptions about every single class you’re currently taking, classes you’re going to take, and the classes you’ve already completed. If they catch on to your distraction technique, excuse yourself and help yourself to a large glass of wine. The other option here is to lie. Pick any major that you are slightly interested in and just go with it. If you don’t end up pursuing that field of study, it’s always easy to say you changed your mind.
WHY ARE YOU STILL SINGLE?
This is probably one of the worst things anyone can say to you. Ever. If you can manage to hold your tears back, try using one of these responses.
Your response: There are a few routes you can take here depending on your personality.
· Appeal to their sympathy while making them as uncomfortable as they made you by saying “I was just think the EXACT same thing.” Say nothing else. Don’t smile or laugh for the rest of the night. Take an extra serving of pumpkin pie.
· Get personal, quickly. Dive straight into the gory details of your last breakup without leaving anything out. I mean, they asked right?
· Turn the table and ask for advice. You might not want to hear what your intoxicated grandma has to say about dating, however it takes the focus of you and you may actually get some good tips!
· If all else fails, drown your sorrows with a glass of wine.
HAVE YOU GAINED WEIGHT?
This one is even more inappropriate than the “Why are you still single question?” yet some people will feel the need to inquire about your body size.
Your response: “Why, have you?” By turning the question on them, you show how uncomfortable answering it can be. Do not feel bad about creating an awkward situation. They started it. Finish by pouring yourself a glass of wine.
The Food
Maybe you were invited to a potluck this year or decided to celebrate thanksgiving with friends. Either way, you’re now faced with the daunting challenge of putting together a Thanksgiving dish. However this is a great opportunity for some culinary adventures while simultaneously impressing your family and friends. Below are a few recipes that would make a great addition at any fall meal!
For the vegetarians out there, this beautiful, healthy kale and squash salad will be a hit with the veg-heads and meat eaters alike.
Cooking a whole turkey sounds downright terrifying. Thankfully Ina Garten, my culinary hero, has an easy to follow recipe for getting a perfectly cooked turkey every time.
If you’re 19+, this is a delicious (and easy!) cranberry cocktail that will pair perfectly with your Thanksgiving dinner.
Let the h8rs h8, brussels sprouts are officially an “it” food. If your company still needs some convincing though, try this brussles sprouts with bacon recipe. Everyone loves bacon, right?
Mashed potatoes are such a holiday staple. Martha Stewart’s got your back with this classic dish.
If you’re stuck with bringing desert, forgo the grocery store brand pumpkin pie this year and shake it up with these mouth watering pumpkin chocolate chip bars. So easy and soooo good.
Photo Source: SHB