Forget Picture-Perfect Holidays! Go with the Flow of Imperfection

By Cal Orey, M.A.

Many Turkey Days ago, I aimed for the perfect Thanksgiving, but it quickly devolved into a culinary catastrophe. The turkey was undercooked, the cornbread dressing bland, and the muffins dry. To top it off, my dog devoured the pumpkin pie, and my sole guest, an editor from afar, canceled due to a storm. My grand feast ended with me binging on Hallmark movies by a fire, a far cry from the celebratory dinner I envisioned. Thankfully, I’ve since mastered the art of Thanksgiving, and now give thanks that it works!

Here are my down-to-earth health tips for mind and body, and tribute to the Mayo Clinic and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

1. Embrace the Tahoe Pace, Not the Race: Instead of rushing from one activity to another, slow down and seize the day. Tahoe is all about appreciating the now. Take a walk or drive by the lake, enjoy a quiet cup of joe with a view, or relax by a fireplace. Say no to overscheduling, and let the natural tranquility of Tahoe guide your pace.

2. Fuel Your Body with Tahoe-Inspired Goodness: While Thanksgiving is known for eating more than less, try to balance your meals with fresh, natural whole foods. Fill up, not out. Hydrate with plenty of water, and comforting beverages like herbal tea after a day of exploring.

3. Prioritize Sleep…Even on the Holiday: The excitement of festivities can sometimes disrupt sleep patterns. However, adequate sleep is vital to control stress and maintaining energy. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Consider blackout curtains or blinds to ensure a restful night's sleep, especially if you're in a new environment or your neighborhood is more active.

4. Connect with Nature, Disconnect from Devices: Tahoe provides the perfect backdrop for a digital detox. Take a vacay away from screens and enjoy the natural beauty around you. This can reduce mental fatigue and allow for more meaningful interactions with loved ones.

5. Set Realistic Expectations, Embrace Imperfect Holiday Bliss: Lose the pressure to have a "perfect" Thanksgiving. Remember that the true spirit of the holiday is about gratitude and connection, not perfection.

CAL OREY, M.A., is a bestselling author-novelist specializing in topics such as adventure, health, nutrition, and science. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in English (Creative Writing) from San Francisco State University. Her books include the popular Healing Powers series, and Courage with Paws, Time-Traveling Tabby, and The Ghost Ships, Book 2. Currently, the new, revised 2nd ed. of a popular Healing Powers book, 2026 is in production.   She is a South Lake Tahoe local. Her website is www.calorey.com