Welcome to Week 3 of the Holiday Countdown!  

I am hopeful that this countdown calendar has been helping you to ease into the holiday season and reduce some of the stress.  

Don’t worry if you are just joining in this week; that is OK. Here is what we covered in previous weeks if you would like to take a look, or just jump in today.

Last week we talked about: 

Preparing your plan
How to honor your loved one 
Gratitude

Remember to keep your intention for this holiday in mind every day so you can keep grounded and focused on your north star. This will help to lead you to your finish line. 

How are you doing? I hope that you are carving out some time for your own healing. That is so important, and I know it can be difficult to do.  

Together, we’ve got this. 

● ● ● ● ● 

On to the nitty gritty of the week. Here is what I would like you to think about this week:

November 18:

Do the things.  Thanksgiving is next week. By now you know what your specific plans are. Maybe you are going out to a restaurant, or someone else’s home, or hosting? Maybe you decided to go out of town and celebrate your Thanksgiving differently? Maybe you decided to stay home by yourself and watch movies and order pizza?  Whatever you decide, take the time this week to get specific on your plans and all the needs associated with making those happen. Last week we started at a high level. This week gets into all the weeds and details. Let’s break down the areas into sections. I always start with YOU!

🦃 YOU:

What are you going to wear? Putting on an outfit that is comfortable and makes you feel good will lift your spirits.

Always plan your out. What if you need to take a break during the festivities because your crazy relative is not communicating in a way that is helpful? What will you say? Will you take a walk? Take a break in your bedroom? Plan ahead. 

If traveling, what is your packing list?

If you are staying home and forgoing Thanksgiving activities, know your plan ahead of time.

🦃 Support:

Who is going to help you? 

What are your kids’ jobs? They can help, and they should!

How can people help you before, during and after the meal? Assign people jobs. They will likely not volunteer but would be happy to help if assigned something. 

🦃 Meal(s):

Order catered items.

Pull out your recipes; what do you need to order (food and tablescape)?

If you are going out, confirm reservation.

If you are going somewhere, confirm what you are bringing.

Write down your plan of what goes in the oven and when.

🦃 Activities:

Do you do holiday cards? If so, do you have a family picture? If not, Thanksgiving might be a good time.

Do you play games or other entertainment? 

Is there a special toast or blessing?

🦃 Decorating:

Plan your tablescape and any other decor.

Think about when you are going to decorate for the holidays—or if you are going to decorate.

🦃 Others:

Make sure people know what they are bringing.

If you are changing or adding any new holiday traditions, you may want to share those ahead of time.

November 20:

Take care of you.  Don’t forget yourself. As mothers and women, we always put everyone else first. Pick it, schedule it and do it. This is not the time of year to neglect yourself. Emotions are running high; knowing that is the case and taking care of yourself will help you help everyone else.  

November 22:

Set expectations.  You get to drive this. 

Who is going to say the toast? 

Think through the seating chart.

 If a tradition is changing, let everyone know ahead of time.  

Think through extended family members—frequently that adds its own stress on a good day, and now grief is layered on top. 

Share with others ahead of time how you are feeling about Thanksgiving and what support you need.  

To learn more about Jody’s coaching programs, click here.

You are invited...

...to join my FREE Coaching & Community Zoom Session on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. CST or on Wednesday, November 20, at noon CST for widows who are also working.

Thanksgiving is coming. Let’s come together as a community and share how we can honor our loved ones and manage our emotions.

Come with any questions you may have—nothing is off limits.