Coming from a big family, Thanksgiving can sometimes be a little stressful.

There’s always a fight over who is cooking what, who invites who to Thanksgiving dinner, and what time we start. Over the years, I have accumulated experience with avoiding stress on Thanksgiving Day. After all, it’s a day of thankfulness! Here are a few of my suggestions:

Prepare your food before the day of Thanksgiving

Many foods need to be cooked just before the meal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare it sooner. My mom, aunt, and grandma assemble the casseroles and dishes the night before Thanksgiving. That way, they can pop them in the oven while they get ready, and there’s no last-minute stress.

Watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

This parade always brings back memories of being little— watching the parade while my family was frantic in the kitchen to get the food ready. My brother and I would sit crisscross applesauce and pick out our favorite floats. Gathering around the television with your family is a great way to help everyone relax before all the chaos ensues.

Surround yourself with good people

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to the people and things that surround you and bring you joy. If you surround yourself with negative, ungrateful people, your Thanksgiving will be disappointing.

Sweat it out

It’s not my cup of tea, but maybe the Turkey Trot or Gobble Jog is just what you need. Exercise is great for relieving stress, and most cities have some form of fun run on Thanksgiving Day. This could be great with a family member to try something new!

Enjoy the little things

Invite your friends over to cook with you and have a game night afterward. Go around the dinner table and explain why you are thankful this year. Make a plan to wake up early the day after Thanksgiving to go Black Friday shopping with family and friends. Sit next to family members that you don't get to see often, even if it may seem awkward at first. Try new foods or foods you don't like.

These tips may not work for everyone because we all know days like Thanksgiving can be chaotic. My greatest advice is to enjoy the chaos and madness. You may look back in five years and miss the sweet people you spend Thanksgiving with. Eat your turkey and

Be Well, Auburn.