How to survive Thanksgiving?

We are moving right along here in our house preparing for our house guests and the big day, Thanksgiving.  We are hosting this year and are very excited.  But in order to steady ourselves for the 'Big Bang' I've also been trying to enjoy the lull in between the spurts of cleaning, organizing, food shopping, and pillow fluffing.  

If you are in a similar boat or just need to pace yourself for a crazy Thanksgiving day yourself here are a few things I think will help.

• Too tired to clean anymore or feed yourself or your family.  Order in.  Get that food delivered too while you are at it.  You're not lazy, you're tired and you deserve to treat yourself.
• Do you have a never ending chore list? Are you constantly fighting off the whiny crying non sharing wacko kids?  PUT THE TV ON.  I am not a big TV person for kids but sometimes that thing needs to give off it's special glowing hypnotic power and work some magic to captivate them.  Even if you just use that time to tool around Pinterest or simply enjoy a cup of coffee it will give you some time to collect yourself and your thoughts.
• Plan ahead.  Seriously, even if you live for the last minute rush- plan ahead.  No one likes an empty handed guest, a host that is stressed out, or a haphazard day.  All of those examples will be memorable but not in a good way.   
• Give yourself permission to laugh at the mishaps and don't get stuck in grumpy-ville.  Having to run back and forth to the supermarket because you keep forgetting key ingredients for your secret family recipe for stuffing- no bigs.  Getting funny looks as you dash down the aisles scavenging your last minute items? Tell the workers there you are just squeezing in your interval workouts since it's too cold outside or you're practicing for a new season of Supermarket Sweep.  If they don't laugh no worries you will because of the strange looks they will give you.
• Cut yourself some slack and eat/drink one or two things before company comes that make you happy.  A small bowl of potato chips and your favorite beer or mini warm brie with raspberry jam and a hot chocolate with a little something special in it.  Limit your consumption but really take a moment to enjoy what you have. 
• Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be on your feet all day and wearing the right shoes will pay off.
• Give chores to people and spread the work load.  People that do not relinquish full control and make themselves martyrs just give other people stress.  Don't be that person.  
• Tune out the guests that stress you out.  A little white noise is fine- they don't have to know.  Just smile and nod. ;)
• Play a game.  A game to me is togetherness, laughs, competition, and overall good times.  All things I love.  If you don't like games find something else you like to do and make time to do it.
• Good luck!  It's 'supposed' to be a fun time so keep that in mind. ;)