Let’s play the word association game. I’ll go first — Thanksgiving. If a table laden with a huge turkey, dressing or stuffing, potatoes of all varieties, gravy, cranberry sauce, an array of vegetable casseroles, various bean dishes (optional), fruit and pasta salads, assorted breads, and pumpkin and pecan pies did not instantly come to mind, you should check your citizenship status. For most Americans, Thanksgiving connotes a bountiful meal, televised parades and football games and as many extended family members as the dining and kiddy tables will hold.

This joyous scene invokes feelings of warmth and fun if you happen to be one of the visiting relatives, plopped on the couch in your fat pants (with ample room for anticipated expansion). However, if you are the unlucky host of this soiree, you are in for serious cleaning, menu planning, grocery shopping, cooking, coordinating sleeping arrangements, dish washing … I feel faint…

Here at Valley Parent, we feel your pain and want to do our small part to reduce the Thanksgiving workload. Here are a few tips to make your holiday responsibilities a bit more manageable.

Let go of overly ambitious expectations. Too often we worry more about showing off our hosting prowess than enjoying the holiday. The house does not have to be perfect, just presentable. It will be strewn with suitcases, jackets and other belongings 10 minutes after the first visitors arrive anyway. If your guests care more about critiquing your housekeeping than enjoying your company, then gently point out, or at least take solace in knowing, that they have completely missed the essence of the holidays.

Look for EASY recipes. Your life doesn’t look like Grandma’s did, so why try to repeat her elaborate meals? Search your local library for a cookbook with quick and easy recipes. You can utilize creative shortcuts like garnishing or combining pre-packaged foods and filling store-bought piecrusts to create beautifully displayed and delicious appetizers, entrées and desserts. With only novice skills, you will come off looking like a pro in half the time.

Let others contribute. People usually ask if they can bring anything. Let them!! Ask if they have a favorite dish they would like to bring. If most of your guests live nearby, start a new tradition and have a potluck Thanksgiving. Next year’s host will certainly be on board! You supply the turkey and let visiting friends and family members bring the rest. Out-of-towners can even contribute with breads or deserts that travel well. Remember, the first Thanksgiving feast was a collaborative effort!

Hire a caterer. If you just can’t bring yourself to involve your guests, several places in town such as Bistro to Go, Butler’s Pantry, Ruth Ann’s and Gourmet Deli offer everything from delectable side dishes to the whole works. Some grocery stores sell cooked turkeys and sides in their deli department — just be sure to call far enough in advance. Choose a special dish or two to make yourself and let the professionals do the rest. No one has to know that instead of a couple days, you spent only a couple hours in the kitchen.

Hire a maid service. Few of us can budget for routine maid service, but some companies offer a one-time fee. If you simply cannot allow family and friends to see your dust bunnies or streaky mirrors, then pick up the clutter and let a maid scrub bathrooms and floors, dust and vacuum. That will give you time to call the caterer…