Don't succumb to Thanksgiving stress

November 18, 3:15 PMDenver Food ExaminerAndrea Spikes

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Does thinking about preparing a turkey make you nervous? Do you hate the idea of cooking a 4-course meal for only two people? Are you feeling the pressure to compete with Martha Stewart for presentation, Rachel Ray for speed and ESPN for attention?

I feel your pain. My family is scattered across five states, so most of the time our holiday gatherings are small - two to three of us at the most unless someone flies to another person's house.

So usually the conversation goes like this:

"What should we do for Thanksgiving?"

"I dunno. What do you want to do?"

"It doesn't matter to me. We could go out (it's expensive!). We could cook (so much work!). We could do something simple and just hang out together (should we make more of an effort?)."

Depending on my energy level, spending level and ambition I might choose any of these three options. This year, we're getting good-quality frozen appetizers and great wine, and following this effort with a homemade dessert. We'll go out to a movie and just relax.

The whole point of me sharing this with you is this: Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful, be giving and be around people you care about if you can. Does it really matter whether you cook a whole bird or just a turkey breast? Does it matter if your guests fall into a food coma before you bring out that star-studded dessert you spend four hours on? Does it matter if only one of the grandkids can make it, and not the other ones?

Because of the hightened sensations this time of year, we tend to set really high expectations of ourselves and those around us, which can make for really stressful holidays. I encourage all of us to focus on what really matters, and let the food help you celebrate instead of aggravate.

Cheers!