our favorite ways to survive thanksgiving Thanksgiving can be a complex holiday, blending tradition, family gatherings, and culinary challenges, often requiring creative strategies to navigate successfully.
our favorite ways to survive thanksgiving
Preparing Fantastic Food
Killing Them with Kindness: Fat and Sugar
For many, Thanksgiving is synonymous with indulgent food. One staff member at The Verge, who has embraced cooking over the past decade, emphasizes the importance of arriving at gatherings with a delicious dish in hand. Instead of showing up empty-handed, they recommend going all out with a double batch of Millie Peartree’s Southern Macaroni and Cheese, a recipe featured in The New York Times. This dish is rich and comforting, featuring three pounds of cheese, making it a true crowd-pleaser. The author notes that while this dish is a bit of a calorie bomb, it’s a once-a-year treat that adds to the festive spirit.
Baking is another way to contribute to the Thanksgiving table. The same author mentions a rotation of desserts, including the ambitious Bûche De Noël, using a recipe from Sally McKenney. They also plan to make Lan Lam’s Cranberry Curd Tart with Almond Crust from America’s Test Kitchen and Emergency Chocolate Cake from Milk Street. While both recipes are behind paywalls, full video tutorials are available for those willing to take on the challenge. For those who prefer simplicity, there’s no shame in picking up a premade dessert from a local bakery or supermarket, or even using a boxed mix. As Brandt Ranj, a commerce writer, points out, the goal is to enjoy the holiday, not stress over the cooking.
Get an Old-Fashioned Mixer
Emma Roth, a news writer at The Verge, shares her experience with the KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. After years of mixing by hand, often leading to sore arms, she found that this stand mixer revolutionized her holiday baking. With various attachments like a whisk, flat beater, and dough hook, the mixer significantly reduces the time and effort required to prepare holiday treats. Roth notes that all she needs to do is add her ingredients, select a speed, and let the mixer do the work. This tool has become indispensable for making cookies, pies, bread, and even meatballs, allowing her to enjoy the festivities without the physical strain of manual mixing.
Make Blue Apron Your Copilot
Allison Johnson, a senior reviewer, recounts a successful Thanksgiving meal she prepared with the help of Blue Apron. This meal kit service allows users to order individual meals without requiring a subscription, making it a flexible option for holiday cooking. Customers can select from various mains, sides, and desserts, all delivered with the exact quantities of ingredients needed and step-by-step instructions. Johnson appreciated the clear guidance on what could be prepared ahead of time, which helped her manage her time effectively. The results were delicious, and she felt a sense of accomplishment, proving that meal kits can simplify the cooking process during busy holiday seasons.
Canned Pumpkin Is Not Cheating—Much
Barbara Krasnoff, a reviews editor, shares her journey with pumpkin pie. Initially, she and her partner believed that making pies from scratch was the only way to go, leading to a labor-intensive process of preparing fresh pumpkins. However, after discovering that canned pumpkin is a perfectly acceptable alternative, they decided to give it a try. The results were impressive, and they received compliments on their pies, all while reducing their stress levels. This revelation highlights that convenience can coexist with quality, allowing home cooks to enjoy the holiday without unnecessary pressure.
Keeping Stress Away
Give Your Family a Love Letter
To mitigate potentially tense family interactions, Antonio G. Di Benedetto, a reviewer, suggests incorporating board games into the holiday festivities. Specifically, he recommends the card game Love Letter, which is easy to learn and quick to play. This game serves as a distraction from contentious topics and encourages family members to engage in lighthearted competition. With its simple mechanics and short rounds, Love Letter allows players to join or leave the game as they please, making it a flexible option for family gatherings. The game also comes in various themed versions, such as Marvel and Star Wars, appealing to a wide range of interests.
Charge Yourself and Your Devices
In today’s tech-driven world, staying connected during family gatherings is essential. Todd Haselton, the deputy editor, emphasizes the importance of keeping devices charged. He recommends the Ku Xiu Qi 2.2 foldable charging station, which offers a 3-in-1 charging solution for multiple devices. This charger provides wireless charging capabilities, an Apple Watch puck, and a pad for AirPods, all at once. Haselton notes that having this charging station on hand helps him avoid the common issue of forgetting chargers while traveling with kids. By ensuring that both he and his devices are charged, he can focus on enjoying the holiday without the stress of low battery warnings.
Know Who to Avoid
Ursa Wright, an editor at Decoder, shares a personal insight regarding family dynamics during the holidays. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing toxic relationships and understanding that it’s okay to distance oneself from family members who cause emotional distress. Wright has made the conscious decision to spend her holidays with those who genuinely love and support her, rather than engaging with relatives who have been unsupportive of her identity. This perspective encourages others to prioritize their mental well-being during family gatherings, reminding them that it’s acceptable to set boundaries for a more enjoyable holiday experience.
Be the Family Photographer
For those who may feel socially awkward during family gatherings, Antonio G. Di Benedetto suggests taking on the role of the family photographer. This strategy allows individuals to navigate social situations more comfortably while capturing precious moments. Although there may be requests to take specific photos, this role can provide a welcome distraction from uncomfortable conversations. By documenting family interactions, individuals can create lasting memories and even earn goodwill from relatives who appreciate the photos. This approach not only helps the photographer feel more engaged but also serves as a valuable contribution to the family’s holiday experience.
Just Take a Walk
Jay Peters, a senior reporter, advocates for the simple yet effective strategy of taking a walk to alleviate holiday stress. Stepping outside for fresh air can provide a mental reset and a break from the hustle and bustle of family gatherings. Walking offers numerous benefits, including light exercise, an opportunity to clear one’s mind, and a chance to enjoy nature. Peters notes that walking can also be a group activity, encouraging family members to join in and providing a healthy alternative to sitting indoors. Whether it’s a solo stroll or a group outing, taking a walk can be a refreshing way to recharge during the holiday.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a multifaceted holiday that can evoke a range of emotions and experiences. By employing various strategies for food preparation and stress management, individuals can navigate the complexities of family gatherings more effectively. Whether it’s through cooking indulgent dishes, engaging in fun activities, or setting boundaries, these tips from The Verge staff can help make the holiday more enjoyable and less stressful. Ultimately, the goal is to foster connections with loved ones while also taking care of one’s own well-being.
Source: Original report
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Last Modified: November 25, 2025 at 8:38 pm
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