Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be a stressful event when it comes down to the wire. To relieve pressure from your mom or dad’s busy schedule, you can help here and there. Here are a few simple tips to help you relax with your friends and family and enjoy your holiday season, knowing that everything is under control.

2 Weeks Before: Set up the Décor
Two weeks before is enough time in between Halloween and Thanksgiving to start setting out those turkey decorations and pilgrim cut-outs. This is something you can do on your own. Discuss a theme for the house with your parents and run with it for your dinner. If you’re decorating with flowers, maybe wait until less than a week before to set those out.

3 Days Before: Defrost the Turkey and Buy Perishable Ingredients
Thawing a frozen turkey takes time and patience. The easiest way is to thaw the bird in the coldest area of your fridge with a pan or tray underneath to catch any drips (not on the counter). Now is also the time to brave the crowds with mom or dad and pick up any perishable items from the store. Make sure you have a specific list and plan before you head to your local grocer. This will make it as quick and easy as possible with all those rampant cookers running around. Maybe make two shopping lists: one for mom/dad and one for you. This will cut your time in half and you’ll know you’ve still gotten all your items.

1 Day Before: Prepare Reheatable Side Dishes, Prep Ingredients, Bake Pies
Start to make sides that will reheat well, like casseroles. Prep garnishes, toppings, salad toppings and stuffing ingredients. This is an easy, helpful job for you to do while your mom or dad might cook more complicated things. Let cool before storing in the refrigerator if you didn’t freeze any options in advance. You can also go ahead and make your pies. Wrap them up without letting any air in to keep them fresh and the crust flaky.

Thanksgiving Day: Stick to Day-Off Plan
Don’t stress! Preheat your oven in the morning and start getting your turkey going. If you premade rolls, let them defrost at room temperature. While the bird roasts, finish preparing your other side dishes since they can stand at room temperature for an hour or so or can be kept in the fridge. When the turkey is done, let it rest while you make the gravy, reheat side dishes and toss salads.

With the food done, your mom and/or dad are now free to socialize with your friends and family and pig out. Enjoy what you’ve worked so hard for! Don’t hold back! Assuming you will have an enormous amount of leftovers, making meals the next week or so will be a breeze. You can make awesome turkey sandwiches, whip up a new soup, throw together a salad, or just reheat the individual dishes whenever you crave ‘em! Now sit down and enjoy all those football games with a stuffed belly. Congrats on this feat, see you next year, and happy Thanksgiving!