Forget Picture-Perfect Holidays! Go with the Flow of Imperfection
ManyTurkey Days ago, I aimed for the perfect Thanksgiving, but it quickly devolvedinto a culinary catastrophe. The turkey was undercooked, the cornbread dressingbland, and the muffins dry. To top it off, my dog devoured the pumpkin pie, andmy sole guest, an editor from afar, canceled due to a storm. My grand feastended with me binging on Hallmark movies by a fire, a far cry from thecelebratory dinner I envisioned. Thankfully, I’ve since mastered the art ofThanksgiving, and now give thanks that it works!
Hereare my down-to-earth health tips for mind and body, and tribute to the MayoClinic and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
1. Embracethe Tahoe Pace, Not the Race: Instead of rushing from one activity toanother, slow down and seize the day. Tahoe is all about appreciating thenow. Take a walk or drive by the lake, enjoy a quiet cup of joe with a view, orrelax by a fireplace. Say no to overscheduling, and let the natural tranquilityof Tahoe guide your pace.
2. FuelYour Body with Tahoe-Inspired Goodness: While Thanksgiving is known for eatingmore than less, try to balance your meals with fresh, natural whole foods.Fill up, not out. Hydrate with plenty of water, and comforting beverages likeherbal tea after a day of exploring.
3.Prioritize Sleep…Even on the Holiday: The excitement of festivities cansometimes disrupt sleep patterns. However, adequate sleep is vital tocontrol stress and maintaining energy. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleepeach night. Consider blackout curtains or blinds to ensure a restful night'ssleep, especially if you're in a new environment or your neighborhood is moreactive.
4. Connectwith Nature, Disconnect from Devices: Tahoe provides the perfect backdrop for adigital detox. Take a vacay away from screens and enjoy the naturalbeauty around you. This can reduce mental fatigue and allow for more meaningfulinteractions with loved ones.
5. SetRealistic Expectations, Embrace Imperfect Holiday Bliss: Lose the pressure tohave a "perfect" Thanksgiving. Remember that the true spirit of theholiday is about gratitude and connection, not perfection.
CAL OREY,M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such asadventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree andmaster’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco StateUniversity. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Couragewith Paws, Time-Traveling Tabby, and The Ghost Ships, Book 2. Currently, thenew, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is inproduction. She is a South Lake Tahoelocal. Her website is www.calorey.com
