ADHD Thanksgiving Tips: Simplify, Stay Calm, and Succeed

Thanksgiving is a time of family, gratitude, and… stuffing. Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, the humble dish holds a proud place on the Thanksgiving table. But let me tell you, in the process of trying to find a recipe for stuffing this year, I accidentally fell down a rabbit hole into the history of stuffing. And guess what? It’s wild enough to make you wonder if the pilgrims had ADHD too.

Here’s what I learned, along with some life-saving tips for anyone with ADHD in charge of Thanksgiving dinner. Spoiler alert: Buy the premade stuffing. Trust me.

 

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The Surprisingly Complex History of Stuffing

Stuffing goes way back—like, ancient Egypt back. They stuffed animals with grains, herbs, and spices as part of their feasts. Fast forward to medieval Europe, where cooks stuffed birds with whatever they had on hand, creating the first “clean out the pantry” recipe. By the 19th century, Americans were all about stuffing turkeys with bread, onions, celery, and sage, which became the iconic dish we know today.

It’s a culinary tradition steeped in innovation and, let’s be honest, a lot of trial and error. That’s a relatable ADHD energy: taking random ingredients, throwing them together, and hoping for magic.

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Why You Should Buy Premade Stuffing (Trust Me)

Here’s the thing: as much as history romanticizes stuffing, making it from scratch is chaotic. Managing breadcrumbs, spices, and the 15 other side dishes already on your list is a recipe for disaster—or at least a kitchen that looks like a hurricane hit it.

Instead, embrace simplicity. Premade stuffing from the grocery store is your Thanksgiving MVP. All you need to do is heat it up, and you’re good to go. Think of it as outsourcing so you can focus on the turkey—or just catching up on your favorite family drama.

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Tips for ADHD-Friendly Thanksgiving Success

Hosting Thanksgiving is no small feat, but with these ADHD-friendly tips, you can pull off the feast with less stress and maybe even enjoy yourself:

1. Plan the Menu (and Stick to It)
   Keep it simple. If you’re tempted to add five new Pinterest recipes at the last minute, remind yourself: the classics are classic for a reason.

2. Make a Schedule
   Write down what needs to be done and when. Set timers on your phone for key moments, like basting the turkey or pulling pies out of the oven. ADHD brains thrive on structure, even if we resist it at first.

3. Delegate Like a Pro
   ADHD hack: You don’t have to do everything yourself. Have Aunt Linda bring the mashed potatoes, let your partner tackle drinks, and assign Cousin Bob the job of making sure no one burns the rolls.

4. Do a Pre-Dinner Table Test
   ADHD minds love multitasking, which means you’re likely to forget napkins, utensils, or (gasp!) serving spoons. Do a quick run-through of your table setup an hour before guests arrive to avoid the scramble.

5. Take Short Breaks
   Thanksgiving cooking is a marathon, not a sprint. Set a timer to remind yourself to pause every hour, drink water, and step outside if things get overwhelming.

6. Prioritize the People, Not Perfection
   ADHD brains can hyperfocus on making everything “just right,” but remember: your guests are there to enjoy the holiday with you, not to critique your cranberry sauce consistency.

7. Accept Premade and Store-Bought Help
   This isn’t Iron Chef. Premade stuffing, canned cranberry sauce, and bakery-bought pies are perfectly acceptable. Save your energy for the dishes that really matter to you.

8. Visualize Success
   ADHD can bring on pre-event anxiety. Take a moment to picture how the day will go: laughter, food, and a full table. Keep that vision in mind to help you stay calm when things don’t go perfectly.

9. Create a "Distraction-Free Zone"
   Set aside a corner away from the action for all those rogue items you want to keep moving but don’t have time to deal with (looking at you, mail pile).

10. Celebrate Your Wins
    Whether it’s a perfect turkey or just remembering to defrost it on time, give yourself credit. Hosting Thanksgiving is no joke, and you’re doing an amazing job.