For some families, Thanksgiving is a time for turkey, laughter and good cheer.
Yet for other families, the holiday season may be the source of serious stress and hurt feelings.
"The holidays can bring out the best of people and, sometimes, the not-so-good parts as well," said Siouxland Mental Health Service Inc. counselor Brianna Peterson.
To some extent, that is due to unrealistic expectations a person may have when it comes to entertaining family.
"Everybody wants the picture-perfect holiday gathering where everything goes to plan and everyone gets along," Peterson said. "That places a lot of pressure on the shoulders of a few people."
Sheila Martin, CEO of Siouxland Mental Health, is shown in a sports therapy room at the nonprofit's new child and adolescent center, 4265 Serg…
If you're the person in charge of a family gathering, start planning ahead of time.
"In other words, don't start planning a Thanksgiving feast a day before," Peterson advised.
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Also, don't be afraid to ask for help.
"If mom is always responsible for the turkey, the adult kids can bring the side dishes," Peterson said. "That's only fair and it lessens the burden placed on a single person."
OK, food is just one aspect of Thanksgiving. What about family chit-chats?
"Try as much as possible to keep conversations light," Peterson said. "If politics are a reason for family dissention, avoid those topics."
And if that fails, take a deep breath and meditate.
"After dinner, take a walk, spend time with the kids or grandkids, do what you can to de-stress," Peterson said.
That is especially important to Peterson, who works mainly with children.
"The holiday season can be stressful for everyone," she explained. "If mom and dad are stressing out over money matters or family disagreements, the kids can pick up on those bad feelings."
Siouxland Mental Health's new child and adolescent center, is located at 4265 Sergeant Road.
Similarly, if grandma and grandpa aren't keen on your uncle's new girlfriend, that can also prove problematic.
Which gets back to Peterson's original premise.
"All year long, we build up our expectations for the holidays in an unrealistic fashion," she said. "We see how people on TV or in the movies celebrate the holidays. If we don't measure up, we feel bad."
Years from now, people won't remember if the turkey was burnt or who got what for a present.
"Instead, what people will take away are the memories of spending time with the people that they love," Peterson said. "The holidays don't have to be perfect when you're able to spend it with family."
