Christa's Thanksgiving Day Rules

Thanksgiving is upon us! If you're like me, you're excited to see your family, cook and share your tastiest dish, and eat until your belly is full...twice! But there are some rules that need to be adhered to before the big day. Here are my 10 Turkey Day Rules:

Photo by banffkiosk.com

10) Wear comfortable clothes. Yes, we know that you're fashionable. Thank you (not!) for informing us that those leather skinny jeans are all the rage for Fall/Winter 2013. But please understand that on this day, we throw down, meaning that after dinner, about 45% of the guests will have their pants unbuttoned. So be practical. There are no prizes for "Best Dressed" because the turkey is free boo!

9) Keep an eye out on your child(ren), especially if they are the 2013 version of Dennis the Menace! A house full of guests doesn't equal free babysitting, ok?!

8) If you're bringing a guest, please let the host know! It's just plain rude to show up with a hungry unknown.

• Also, please keep in mind that this guest (new boyfriend/girlfriend, friend, coworker, etc) may or may not be subjected to funny slander, slight harassment, and jokes. 

7) Leave your drama at the door! We are sorry that Rick broke up with you...6 months ago. And it's sad to hear that "the man" won't give you a job. But we aren't here to be the +1s at your pity party! So either relax and enjoy yourself, or be left to wonder why everyone had to suddenly leave to take a call outside.

6) If you have a tantrum because football is on, you can go to the kids room and play 'house' with the unattended children.

5) Don't be offended if your sweet potato spicy green bean egg surprise souffle casserole is still left on the table after we're done eating. We knew you made it, and that's why it's untouched. You can't cook! So nice of you to try though. You get a C- for effort and thoughtfulness but we refuse to be guinea pigs for your latest cooking creations. Better luck next time!

4) Shut up about your diet! Thanksgiving is better known as "Cheat Day". We love ripped abs, tight buns, and toned arms just as much as the next person but we don't want to hear about what will happen if you eat certain foods. You have the choice to skip the stuffing and two layer pound cake...just pass that over to me, I'll be more than happy to take that off of your hands.

3) Clean up after yourself!! Even if the host declines your offer to help with the cleanup, help anyway. There will be dishes to wash, trash to be emptied and taken out, tables to be wiped down, food to be put away, etc. You wouldn't want anyone to leave your house in a mess, would you?

2) The grace needs to be 25 seconds or less. We are so happy that you graduated from divinity college at the top of your class. And we are sure that the Lord moves in a mighty way when you pray at First Episcopal Baptist Church of the Latter Day Saints Cathedral every Sunday morning...but we'd like for the food to still be hot when the prayer is over. Can I get an amen?

1) DO NOT SHOW UP EMPTY-HANDED!!! I don't care if you bring a 2 liter soda that was on sale at Family Dollar, bring something. You are the guest and any token of appreciation to the host for the hours of cooking, cleaning, decorating for you would be much obliged.

**Bonus Rule** Don't share pictures of unappetizing Thanksgiving meals. I understand that it may taste very good (doubt it), but it doesn't look good. Leave the food photography to the professionals or those with a good camera. Also, don't be mad if your struggle plate pic goes viral.

I hope you all enjoyed my Thanksgiving Day Rules. What are yours? Share them in the comment section below. Remember to cherish the time that you spend with your family. Have fun and be safe!!