How to Survive Thanksgiving: Tips for the MS Patient

Hi Mandy,

These are great tips for the holiday.  For the past 33 years my daughter and I have shared Thanksgiving with one of my sisters and her family, either at their home or ours.  Over time our families have grown, she has four children who are all married and between them now have 8 children, all under the age of 9.  My daughter is married and has a 3 month old son.  And yet we all still get together for the holiday, only now it has to be at my sister's house as I don't have the room.

I just want to echo one point you made; we all love the piles of food that find their way ot the table from all of our kitchens, but was we have long memories and many conversations about is the wonderful time we all have and what great fun it is to be together.  

After dinner, whoever can make it from the rest of my family, 2 other sisters, 1 brother, their spouses and their combined 10 children along with their spouses and children, will stop by for dessert.  We have done this for as long as I remember and our children now tell theirs about what fun they had on this day.  I don't know how long we will all be able to fit in my sister's house, but for now it is everyone's favorite holiday and food has little to do with that.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!  Denise

Hi Mandy,

These are great tips.  Luckily, Thanksgiving is always at my parents house, which leaves me to just do one dish to pass.

However, I'm one of those people who, when having people over to my house for other functions, everything has to be perfect.  House must sparkle!   I have to learn to stop doing that because I can no longer enjoy the main reason for the get together.  Too Tired! 

Thanks for the tips, and the reminder to slow down.

Wonderful reminders and tips for avoiding some holiday stress.  A difficult lesson that MS has taught me is one about doing things "good enough."  Very tough to do as a recovering perfectionist. 

Another thing to consider - if it's available in your area - Thanksgiving meals prepared and purchased at a grocery store such as Giant Foods, Safeway, Whole Foods, etc.  I did that last time I hosted (two years ago) and simply added a favorite side dish.  It turned out great!!