The day of feasts and giving thanks is fast approaching. Soon, we’ll all find ourselves siting around a table staring relatives straight in the face. Let’s just say the turkey won’t be the only thing you’ll have to stomach. Here are eight good-lucks for the holiday—and don’t forget, we just finished with a presidential election, and everyone is still talking about it.

1. Small-talk your way to Gravy-Town.

Chances are, you haven’t filled every family member in on the tiny details of your life, so this is a good time to start. While you wait for dinner to be ready, talk about anything that you would to a cashier at Starbucks.

2. Plead the Fifth.

Who did you vote for? Plead the Fifth. Does that major really get you anywhere? Plead that Fifth. When I was your age, I already met my husband. Cry.

3. Find refuge in a pet.

Frodo can save you if you need a break from the conversation, or if boredom decides to invite itself to dinner. Also, no need for an excuse; any time is pet time.

4. Realize Grandma knows everything.

She really does. The older we get, the more the ‘adults’ in our family are sharing about life in general. And holy cow, does Grandma know her stuff.

5. Don’t ask when dinner is ready.

If you haven’t learned this already, then what is wrong with you? Don’t get thrown out with the dog because you both couldn’t stop drooling over the bread rolls.

6. Volunteer at the kids table.

If you have younglings in your family, sit with them. It’s hilarious. Cranberry sauce will be everywhere and their tiny imaginative minds will ask questions about life that you have no clue about.

7. Stuffing isn’t just for eats.

Did Uncle Jim just make a semi-racist remark? Don’t fret; stuff it instead! Pass that plate quick. Now nobody can hear Uncle Tim since he’s three plates in with the stuffing. Phew, close one.

8. Focus On What You’re Thankful For.

At the end of the day, it’s not hard to reflect on all that is good in your life. The list will grow with the smiles, and soon enough, all the little kinks of the evening won’t matter.

Thanksgiving shouldn’t be the only day we focus on what to be grateful for. Every day is a day worth of thanks. A good habit is, before bed, list at least five things that you are grateful for. You may surprise yourself.