What is it about this holiday that stresses you so badly? Are you spending it with difficult family, or alone?

I’ve had complicated feelings about Thanksgiving for years. My mother was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer on a Thanksgiving day, my favorite cat went into kidney failure on a Thanksgiving night and died, and last October I lost my best friend of 33 years. Tomorrow when I get off work, I’ll be spending the day alone. If I’m not careful, I could get depressed and feel triggered to drink.

I find it really helps, though? to focus on other people. I always cook for friends and the kids I work with. I reach out to my neighbors with food or a gift card if they’re struggling. I give candy to my friend’s kids. I make it about other people and how thankful I am to have them in my life. This makes my Thanksgivings meaningful even if not ideal.

I hope you can come up with a similar way of dealing. And it will all be over in 24 hours.

IWNDWYT