5 Ways to Get the Family Involved in Thanksgiving Day Dinner Preparations

Does it seem like every single Thanksgiving, your husband plops his bony butt on the couch to watch football as the kids scurry hither and thither playing with their toys? I'm sorry, but Big Mamma don't play that! It's time to slap some sense into your family and get them involved with Thanksgiving! No more football for you, hubba hubba hubby! It's time to put in some elbow grease! Here are my top 5 simple steps on how to get the kids and your husband involved in Thanksgiving!

Cleaning

Thanksgiving is an exquisite occasion that demands an exquisite home! Instead of doing all the pre-cleaning yourself, get the kids and your hubby involved. Toddlers can pick up their toys while older kids can help wipe off tables, sweep, vacuum, etc. As for El Stupido, he can clean the toilets! A Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without some freshly wiped porcelain!

Food Preparation

Even itty bitty kiddies can help with simple tasks like mashing up some potatoes, stuffing the turkey, or even stirring up a salad. As for the older kids, they might even be able to baste the turkey, with supervision of course. And oh, always have the kids help prepare fruit and veggie trays. They are much more likely to eat greens if they take a part in preparing them! As for El Lazio, make the balding bunches of hairy oats go out and get a pie. When he gets back, tell him that it's the wrong type and make him go and get another. Keep doing this until he's as worn out as you!

Table Placemats

Kids hate to be bored, but they sure do love arts and crafts! Purchase some construction paper, crayons, etc (assuming you don't already have a stack-full of the aforementioned!) Gather your children at the dinner table and dish out all the supplies to them. Have them make their own 'custom' Thanksgiving placemats. They'll love it and it'll keep them busy and out of your hair! As for El Bonehead, make him use all those darn tools in the garage that he's bought by building a wooden turkey for decoration on your lawn.

Hosting

Give your kids a job! Dress them up real nice and have them greet guests at the door. This frees you up to continue preparing the meal. Since kids just love having a super-duper special job, the "Mommy, I'm so bored" complaints will quickly be discarded for "I'm having so much fun!" Plus, your guests will have a chance to spend a little time with your kids. As for El Fatso (the REAL TURKEY), make him dress up in a turkey outfit and then entertain the guests by dancing around like an fool and singing, "I'm the real turkey! I'm the real turkey! You betcha', I'm the real turkey!"

Giving Thanks

Make certain your children really understand the true meaning behind Thanksgiving by making them prepare a written list of Thanks before the meal starts. It can be short, long, funny, elaborate, or whatever they prefer. Feel free to encourage them to even go so far as to draw pictures too! Once dinner time comes, have them read their Thanks. As for El Dumbo, absolutely without a doubt have him list every single thing he is thankful to you for. For everything he forgets to mention (e.g. MAKING THANKSGIVING DINNER), subtract a side dish from his available choice of foods. If he is half a man, he'll at least get some stuffing and mashed potatoes with his turkey. If he's a full-fledged man, then the genetically challenged and misfortunate hap will probably end up with just turkey this Thanksgiving!