15+ Ways To Survive Thanksgiving Dinner

Find yourself some helpers who feel the same way about the holiday as you do. This way you have some people to rely on and vent to when you need it.

Worried about conversations getting out of hand? Invite some people who will act as buffers. Most people don't want to get into heated discussions around people they don't know! Have some people on your side to keep things cool.

Don't just wait for your mother-in-law to decide she's bringing a pumpkin pie when you've already decided on apple. Give people assignments so they know what to bring or what to do beforehand. It'll save you a headache later.

Just like giving assignments, setting a menu can be helpful! It'll keep you and everyone else on track when you know exactly what you're planning. You can even send it out ahead of time so everyone knows.

There is no rule that says you need to have alcohol at every get-together. Instead, try making a signature mocktail or offering a variety of sodas and juices.

Have the kids create adorable place cards and set them at the table. You can be strategic with who is sitting next to who.

It might be easier said than done, but if you know there are some taboo topics in your group, try and steer the conversation far, far away.

Ask about what kids or grandkids are up to! Everyone seems to love to talk about the great things their spawn are up to.

You can ask for recipes, talk about the process, or thank people for their contributions. Anything to get the conversation going where it should.

Whether that's writing a joke in an annual Thanksgiving card or helping decorate the house beforehand, it'll help keep them focused during the main event.

Leftovers are arguably the best part of any Thanksgiving meal. And if you don't need them, there's probably a broke student in your family who will be excited to make Thanksgiving burritos for days after the party.

Even though I'm no longer a broke student, I always end up with leftovers from any turkey meal. These sandwich ideas sound absolutely amazing!

Whether it's a loved one sending you leftovers or you ordering in, make sure you celebrate for yourself. Treat yourself to a nice meal if you're not much of a turkey fan!

I mean, just think of all the leftovers you'll get to keep ALL FOR YOURSELF. That alone is enough of a reason for me to cook a turkey.

Try wearing tight clothes like a dress or pants with a belt. It'll help stop you from getting uncomfortably full. I wish I'd remember to do this once in a while!

Maybe instead of trying to consume less, you're read to stuff your face silly. Just don't forget to wear loose clothes if that's the case.

It's unlikely you'll be able to avoid rude comments or criticism completely. I mean, who wants to be asked for the 50th time when you're going to "settle down?"

Music is always a mood booster, and if there's any way to make your peeps a bit happier, music should do the trick. Plus, making playlists is always fun!

People seem to bank the 4-6 hours it takes to cook the turkey, but seem to forget that you also need to thaw that bad boy.

You can freeze it and use it for later! Afterall, there is no such thing as too much gravy.

It's hard to keep the gravy on the stove while everything else is cooking. The Krazy Coupon Lady recommends this brilliant hack!

And YES, that includes the pups, too.

There is such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen, and having people giving "helpful" tips and tricks will just stress you out more.

There is no rule that says you have to spend Thanksgiving with your blood relatives. There's nothing wrong with spending it with your chosen family instead.

This is key for when you need to do it all again next year.

Although, if you only take one note and it says, "I'm never doing this again," I don't blame you at all.