As I sit down to expound on this topic, Im taking deep breaths.
Are my lips pursed?
Are my nostrils flared?
Is my butt clenched?
(And one persons flow is anothers deadline pressure.)
But people also want to be where food and drinks are.
The sound of a cocktail shaker can do wonders for drawing people closer to its party aura.
For drafty rooms, build a fire or set up a space heater to make it more inviting.
(And a note on football.
Put on a movie likeElfin another room for all the non-football watchers.
If you live someplace where it will be chilly, invest in a heat lamp to draw everyone out.
Tell everyone to dress warmly as theyll be spending some time in the great outdoors.
Lets leave her alone.
An edict coming from your Thanksgiving deputy will garner more sympathy than if you simply say Go away.
Set up other activities
Some people have a hard time not contributing on the big day.
Why not give their idle hands something else to do?
A 1,000-piece puzzle challenge, a round of Cards for Humanity, or What Do You Meme?
can all get people out of your hair.
Brainstorm a list of things youll need help with on the day of.
Have a list you’ve got the option to easily reference for persistent guests.
Try not to look frazzled
Easier said than done, we know.
attempt to remain of pleasant, calm visage, so others wont think you are in over your head.
(Though not so pleasant as to invite conversation.
We know this fine line is not easily walked.
Breathe from your diaphragm.
Practice in the mirror.
Take an acting Master Class?
Results may vary.)
(They are your family and close friends, right?
That should afford you some degree of honesty).
To go the polite but direct route, try a smiling, I need a little more time.
Can everyone go into the other room until I finish?
If your family is more blunt, you could always keep it real.
