💛 Mental Health Monday: This is the week - Breathe. Reset. And Keep the Wine Chilled. Thanksgiving Week Stress Working Mom Life Holiday Overwhelm

Since this is a true Mental Health Monday, I know many of us are already feeling the Thanksgiving Week stress creeping in. Well… this is it. The week. The one where every grocery store aisle looks like a scene from a cooking competition and we’re all fighting for the last stick of butter like our lives depend on it.

We’re officially down to the wire. Everyone is scrambling for those last little tidbits — the spices, the veggies, the ingredients we forgot we forgot.

And while we’re doing all that, we’re also making sure the house is spotless, the sheets match the pillowcases, and every guest has a comfortable place to land.

But let’s be honest…The weekend didn’t help. Not even a little.

We spent all of Saturday in Wappingers Falls — a big track meet, from the morning sun until late afternoon. Then we met up with Kyle’s little league soccer coach and their son. Great people, great conversation, great times…but, I had a moment like:

How are these boys taller than us now? So who’s coaching who? LOL

As a mom balancing work, sports, and holiday planning, this is peak working mom life, and I know many of you feel the same.

Laughed myself right into the car.

Then — because life likes to keep us on our toes — we drove home, hopped out of my husband’s car, and right into mine to make it JUST in time for Westchester Winter Wonderland.

Track Moms & Sons Night Out. And let me tell you…It was needed.

Sometimes you have to drop everything you’re juggling and take a breath. The cold air cleared my head. I didn’t think about the holiday, the lists, the chores, or the upcoming chaos.

I just focused on:

✔ my son

✔ the track moms

✔ the moment

✔ and myself

And when I came home, all that was left to do was… take it easy. Get ready for the next day. Let Sunday be a “Do Me” day. No guilt. No pressure. Just peace.

🗂️ Planning the Week (Without Losing Your Mind)

This week is short — two real activity days for most of us. Kids are home, schools are closed, routines are upside down.

Meal prep. Just Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday, a free day — leftovers, takeout, or survival snacks.

This week can bring a mix of joy and a little holiday overwhelm, but the key is breaking everything into small, manageable steps.

If you’re hosting, bringing sides, or being the family’s go-to chef, try this:

Sit down at your table. Grab a pencil and paper. Write it out day by day, hour by hour.

Know exactly where you’re supposed to be standing at what time. It saves sanity — trust me.

And don’t forget to chill your favorite white wine…or dust off that red bottle you only bring out for “moments of clarity.” Sometimes stepping into the kitchen with a glass of wine becomes real kitchen therapy - the kind that clears your head and resets your spirit.

💛 A Thanksgiving Lesson I’ll Never Forget

Let me tell you a short story —Many, many moons ago, I planned a full Thanksgiving dinner for someone and their family.

I shopped. I cleaned. I cooked. And all while working two jobs — in two different counties — and living alone.

I put out a full spread:

✔ whole turkey

✔ collard greens

✔ baked mac & cheese

✔ potato salad

✔ fresh rolls

✔ sides

✔ desserts — apple pie and sweet potato pie

Now anyone who cooks greens AND pies knows…this is no easy feat.

So dinner time comes.

3 pm… no arrival.

4 pm… still nothing.

I finally call them. And they tell me — laughing: “Oh! We forgot. We’re at someone else’s house.”

…

"Head explosion"

But instead of blowing up, I hung up the phone. Quietly. Gracefully.

I pulled out a bottle of wine but chose to clean first. Packed everything in freezer bags. Washed the dishes. Turned off the lights. Went about my evening.

Because here’s the truth:

1️⃣ I cooked for myself

2️⃣ I invited them

3️⃣ Missing out was THEIR loss

4️⃣ You don’t get to ask about the event if you weren’t at my table

To this day, I cook for me, myself, my family, and whoever shows up. If you don’t show, you don’t get the recap. You don’t get the leftovers. And you definitely don’t get to ask, “How was everything?”

You weren’t at the table.

 Case closed.

And to note - if I'd let that moment disturb my mental state, I'd still be in the kitchen cleaning! LOL!!!

💛 Chef, Don’t Let Thanksgiving Stress Steal Your Joy

The headaches, the craziness, the running around, not worth it.

Take who you have. Take what you have. And party like it’s 1999.

Enjoy the people who show up. Feed the ones who bring love to the door. Because this holiday isn’t about who has the prettiest table. It’s about the heart sitting at it.

So, as you're doing your family holiday planning, remember to protect your peace and enjoy the people who show up at your table.

Happy Thanksgiving, Chef. Enjoy your table. Enjoy your peace. Enjoy YOU.

And after the festivities, reach out. Let’s talk about the chaos —and how we dismissed the chaos —and how some folks got told to “Talk to the plate!” 😆

Happy Thanksgiving from my Sideways Kitchen to yours. ❤️🦃✨

Mental Health Monday Thanksgiving Week Stress Working Mom Life Holiday Overwhelm

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