Tips for People Who Have to Work on Thanksgiving

Most of us like to think we will have the Holidays off, but there are many that have to work on the Holidays. So how can you still spend time with the family if you have to work? Here are some ideas that may help you enjoy the day even if you do have to work.
Pick a day near to the Holiday that you have off. Inform the family as soon as possible that you are scheduled to work that day and yet you would like to spend it with them. Plan your dinner for that day. It can be fun and the family gets together,enjoys the day and does not have to travel on the actual Holiday.

If this idea does not appeal to you, and depending on what hours you have to work, for instance.You may want to schedule an early dinner if you are on nights. Plan your meal in stages. Do your pies up the night before. Set the table up the night before. You can arrange the table and as you set it up, place the dishes and glassware upside down so there won't be any dust settling on them. Then just prior to dinner, have someone turn them upright. I have cooked my turkey the day before and then just warmed it prior to the meal.

You may also want to have each person bring something to the meal. This saves a lot of time on your part and you can still have that great dinner together and enjoy the company.

If you are on day shift you may want to plan a late dinner. Using the same method as mentioned above. If you do not cook and usually visit on the Holiday you may want to send a centerpiece to the hosts and explain that you will not be able to attend the dinner but will drop by as soon as possible either before or after work.

Many restaurants feature Holiday dinners. This is a nice way to spend the day with Family and there is no mess afterward. But then again, there are no leftovers! The leftovers are one of the favorite things in our family. If you decide that you want to go out for dinner with the family, then you should make reservations and decide beforehand how to handle the bill.

It isn't as much the amount of time you spend with the Family, but more the quality of time you spend with them. By doing some of the things mentioned above, you are showing them that they are very important and and that you value your time with them. What better way to spend the Holiday !

You may consider having the dinner catered. They can drop off your food items and you can serve them when your are able to get everyone together. And if for some reason your are totally not able to spend time with them here is a suggestion that will help.
Take some blank cards and write a specific message in each for everyone. Have them placed on the dinner plates and have everyone read them before dinner. It could be something as simple as "I am sorry I can't be there with you, but my heart is there. Enjoy the meal, I am thinking of you" If possible call before or after the meal and talk to everyone.

It is never easy to work the Holiday, but for those of you who do, Thank you. This is Thanksgiving and a time to reflect on how much we have to be Thankful for. Those of you who have to work are obviously needed where you are and you need to know how much it is appreciated. I myself am a care giver and will most likely work the Holiday. But I will use one of the suggestions above to make it special for my Family.