It's almost Thanksgiving, and you know what that means, time to give thanks of course, but it's also time for a few reminders as you get your forks and knives ready for your Thanksgiving Day dinner.

1. If you're not going to chop an onion or some celery or something, you're merely in the way. Your mother, father, auntie, grandmother or whoever is preparing the meal, does not need your attendance in the kitchen. You may think that you're keeping them company with your charming conversation, but they don't want your company. In fact, they are likely cursing you out in their minds. They'd much rather have a nice healthy dialogue with their turkey, roast, dressing, rolls, cake, and so on. You see, there are plenty of "people" for them to talk to. Make yourself useful and go on an ice and beverage run. You can never have too much of that. You can also just go watch a television of your selection in another room. Whatever you do, just stay out of their way and use that charming conversation on another guest.

2. If you're determined to have your face noticed in the kitchen, do not ask the cook for a rundown of ingredients that he or she has put in the macaroni and cheese. You will not get it. Now isn't the time to try and get a free cooking lesson anyway. And it doesn't help to keep saying how good it looks in order to line up a taste for yourself before dinner is served. You can lick your lips all you want, tasting is reserved for special people.

3. If there are dips, say spinach or vegetable dip being served as a little appetizer or snack before the big meal, do not, I repeat, DO NOT double dip your chip into whatever dip is present. It will cause a serious altercation, and you will have missed Thanksgiving dinner over something quite unfortunate. In my family, you might actually die if going in for a double dip. This isn't what you want.

With that said, I'm wishing all of you a wonderful, blessed, and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

Here are a few things I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving:

I am thankful for my beautiful family. I am thankful for my extended family and those I've reconnected with. I am thankful for my girlfriends. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for not choosing a life of contentment. I am thankful for being keenly aware of all of life's possibilities. I am thankful for love and being loved. I am thankful for travel. I am thankful for LIFE.

What are some things you're thankful for this Thanksgiving or what other tips can you offer to help dinner go over smoothly?

#food #ThanksgivingDay #family #thankful #life