Unlike the seamless Thanksgiving miracles depicted on Hallmark TV programs, real life often involves frantic last-minute grocery runs, burnt turkeys and the juggling act of family tensions simmering just beneath the surface. But people can take steps now to limit the holiday stress, says University of Michigan psychology professor Stephanie Preston. "Give yourself and others grace," she said. "It's fine to laugh when things go awry. We've all seen the perfect Hallmark family gathering, but those are fictional. Real life is complicated and messy. We're all human and need to savor the moment." One way to keep the stress at bay is to set an intention for the day or week, said Preston, who admits that she tries to keep her expectations reasonable while hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for family. To keep things relaxed, each person contributes a dish (even the kids), the dress code is casual, the start time is flexible, and we end with a short walk and some games. "What do you most want to get out of the holiday? Most people want to be present and thankful while spending time with loved ones more than they want to craft the perfectly browned turkey or decorative tablescape," Preston said. Can you provide communication strategies that can be effective in dealing with difficult conversations or conflicts among family members? Family members who don't agree or get along—particularly in divisive political time—can be a major source of stress for everyone. In advance, consider what issues might arise and how you will deal with them. Aim to focus on sharing food and thanks above resolving long-held differences. Some families cannot talk about politics without a fight, so know your limits. Even if it seems satisfying to get off that snide remark, it's better to have a few phrases ready that can quickly deflect negativity while honoring your feelings. Have an ally at the event or someone you can text or call when your patience wears thin. Just knowing someone understands how you feel and has your back will extend your patience. Remember, we cannot control other people or how they view the world—and the Thanksgiving table might not be the place to try even if we could. But we can control our contribution to the holiday spirit How important is it to set boundaries during holiday gatherings, and what are some polite ways to establish them? Boundaries are essential for maintaining your sanity but can increase conflict if not done right. Consider any boundaries you need and alert people in advance so they know what to expect, e.g., you'll take a long walk each day or go to bed early. As long as you genuinely make time for the essentials (find out when dinner is before setting your schedule), people usually don't mind. No need to explain yourself. If pressed, just keep it simple with something like, "I just find it helps me feel like myself." For people who feel lonely or isolated during the holidays, what can they do to feel more connected? The important thing about a holiday is to rest, fill your soul and connect with people you care about. Not everyone has the picture-perfect family that gathers around a huge table though. People are often geographically displaced from family or do not have much family to speak of. Others use isolation as a way to deal with anxiety or stress and need to counter this instinct in order to enjoy the festivities. Remember that it really doesn't matter who you spend time with or how you connect. Friendsgivings are popular alternatives. If you are not invited to a meal, consider asking someone else who is isolated to join you. Even if you eat takeout alone on a holiday, try to plan another way to connect, like volunteering, attending a service or public event, going to a movie, or calling a friend. Research shows that loneliness damages our physical and mental health. It feels good to help and connect with people—even strangers. Push yourself a little bit to let some of that magic of human connection in, however you can. How can individuals balance the desire to spend time with family and friends with the need to have some personal downtime? It all comes down to balance, and each person is different. The key is to give enough space in your heart, mind and calendar to savor the togetherness of a holiday, without making yourself crazy or exhausted. Knowing your own body and mind, how much sleep, exercise or downtime do you need? It's not rude to step away or miss some things, as long as you let people know, express your appreciation, and are present when you are together. It's easier to set a plan early than to wiggle out of something in the moment. How can people avoid unhealthy coping mechanisms? Unhealthy coping mechanisms are trouble even in good times, but can spiral during holidays. People are pushed out of their comfort zones, set high expectations, and interact with many more people. Drinking excessively is a common one, as people rely on the social lubricant, give themselves something to do during uncertain moments and recover from stress. Avoiding people is another coping strategy. Most coping mechanisms are fine in moderation and may provide some benefits. But when your desire to drink, take drugs, shop, eat or avoid people undermines your own goal of enjoying the holiday , it's time to adjust. Find a friend or relative who gets your issue and let them help you navigate your choices. If you need, call a crisis hotline to tell someone how you feel or ask for help.
WNBA star tells Elon Musk to 'go back to Africa' after Donald Trump failureThere's no denying that Angel Reese is one of the most popular athletes across America right now. The Chicago Sky forward is coming off an incredible rookie campaign that earned her All-Star nod. Things are definitely looking up for the 22-year-old in terms of both her career and her fame. Being one of the most high-profile personalities in sports does have its drawbacks, though. While Reese has been actively building her brand by being a constant presence on social media, the former LSU superstar recently revealed that there are still some things that she wants to keep hidden from the public eye. In an X post on Nov. 15, Reese called out intrusive fans as she talked about keeping personal relationships private . According to the 6-foot-3 forward, she's decided not to "openly share that part of my life" with her supporters -- a notion that she doubled down on in a recent episode of her podcast. "I would never post my relationship ever on social media," Reese told guest Mikey Williams, a college basketball star, on Thursday's episode of her "Unapologetically Angel" podcast. "... People be too invested in your relationship. They be trying to follow stuff. It's just..." To be clear, Reese may have been speaking in theory here, and it does not seem like she's neither confirmed nor denied that she is currently in a relationship. What is clear, however, is that if she ever is, she is determined not to share anything about it on social media. For what it's worth, Reese was recently linked to Detroit Pistons big man Jalen Duren after the two were supposedly caught vacationing together. Reese, however, denied being in a relationship with the No. 13 overall pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, saying, "I’m not nobody’s girlfriend." Related: Angel Reese Breaks Silence on Rumors About Her Love Life Related: Teresa Weatherspoon's Strong Statement on Chicago Sky Firing
ALDI shoppers are raving over a new dupe of a hugely popular crisp brand for a fraction of the price. To celebrate the release of the Wicked movie, Aldi UK took the opportunity to get in on the action and share images of their new dupe of Pringles. In honour of the film, they shared a picture of two pink and green Stackz tubes. The Snackrite crisps are the same shape and come in the same packaging as Pringles. However, the Aldi dupe is a fraction of the cost at just £1.49 each. Most tubes of Pringles are priced at above £2 in other stores, with £2.20 being the standard at Tesco and Morrisons and £2.25 at Sainsbury's. read more on aldi The colour and flavour combinations of Stackz are exactly the same as their inspiration. So, like with Pringles, the green tube is sour cream and onion and the pink is prawn cocktail which sparked excitement among shoppers. "Ooh - not seen the prawn ones before!!," one wrote in the comments on Facebook . "Can't wait to try," another said. Most read in Money A third confirmed that the "prawn ones are so delicious." Aldi is set to get a rush on the prawn cocktail-flavoured snacks with some vowing to buy lots of them. "OMG me & Jarvy will buy a crate of prawn cocktail!" one said. "Didn’t know you did them." But, the news has not pleased everyone as shoppers predict the huge popularity of the dupes . Once concerned shopper said: "Will you please stop telling everyone about my favourite things you sell? SAVING on your shop can make a big difference to your wallet. Here are some tips from Hannah Maundrell, editor of Money.co.uk, about how you can cut the cost of your shopping bills: Write yourself a list – Only buy items that you need. If it isn’t on your list, don’t put it in the trolley Create a budget – Work out a weekly budget for your food shopping Never shop hungry – You are far more likely to buy more food if your tummy is rumbling Don’t buy pre-chopped veggies or fruit – The extra they’ll charge for chopping can be eye watering Use social media – Follow your favourite retailers to find out about the latest deals Be disloyal – You may want to go to different stores to find the best bargains Check the small print – It’s always worth checking the price per kg/lb/litre when comparing offers so you’re making a like for like decision as a bigger box won’t necessarily mean you get more Use your loyalty cards – Don’t be afraid to sign up to them all. They all work slightly differently – work out what bonus suits you better and remember to trade in your points for additional rewards "Every time you do, they're out of stock when I go shopping." Referencing a song from Wicked another shopper vowed that the Aldi dupe would be "Popular!" "I'd rather eat my body weight in these than watch Wicked tbf," an honest commenter added. Others decided to pass on their own suggestions for future flavours they want to see in store with many being inspired by those on offer from Pringles. Some shoppers went as far as to say that they would never buy Pringles again if their favourite flavour was added. One said: "You need to make paprika ones and then I'll never need to buy the other brand ever again." "Worcester sauce flavour please," another requested. They got a promising response from the discount chain which passed on the information and admitted the idea made them hungry. Others who saw the interaction said the flavour would be "elite." Another threat to the popularity of Pringles is that they have become a victim of shrinkflation. While the size of the tube has reduced, the price has not. READ MORE SUN STORIES One shopper shared how the Sour Cream and Onion Pringles cans that weighed 200g now weigh 185g but still sell for a recommended price of £2.25. But there is also a threat to Aldi's Pringles dupe with rival Lidl sharing five new Pringles flavours for just £1.75.
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Ivory Smith's aunt Sharonda Collins joined 'Fox & Friends' to discuss the tragic loss of her niece as the family fights for justice and the legacy she left behind. A realtor in Georgia was killed in a suspected DUI crash that allegedly involved an underage illegal immigrant from Honduras who ran through a red light and struck the driver, going 100 miles per hour (mph). Police in Chamblee, Georgia, said that around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, 20-year-old Christian Fernando Irias-Ruiz ran through a red light, going 100 mph, and T-boned another car, killing the driver, according to local station WSB-TV. Family and friends identified the victim of the crash as 37-year-old Jimmy Chang, according to his social media and a GoFundMe page. A source told Fox News Digital that the suspect is an illegal immigrant from Honduras. He was arrested by the Border Patrol in South Texas around June 2021 and released. FAMILY DEMANDS ACTION AFTER 7-YEAR-OLD'S DEATH IN DUI CRASH INVOLVING MIGRANT WHO HAD PRIOR ARREST Jimmy Chang, 37, a Georgia realtor, died in a crash after police say an underage drunk driver ran a red light going 100 mph in Chamblee. (Jimmy Chang Facebook/FOX Atlanta) The source said ICE also placed a detainer with the DeKalb County jail. Irias-Ruiz faces multiple charges including homicide by vehicle in the first degree, DUI, reckless driving, speeding and possession of alcohol by someone under 21. Police told WSB-TV that Irias-Ruiz was also driving with no insurance, no license and a suspended registration. "It’s not going to bring my brother back, but hopefully justice will be served," Jason Chang, Jimmy Changs' brother, told WSB-TV. "We’re kind of at a loss of what to do now." Four people were taken to the hospital from injuries sustained in the crash, including Irias-Ruiz and two passengers in his vehicle and the other being the driver of a third car. HONDURAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED IN ALLEGED DUI CRASH THAT KILLED ARKANSAS CHILDREN'S RESPIRATORY THERAPIST The family of Georgia realtor, Jimmy Chang, is mourning his death after he was killed in a crash by a suspected DUI driver. (GoFundMe) "We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our beloved Jimmy. The unexpected passing of Jimmy has left us heartbroken," a post on a GoFundMe page reads. The Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) also confirmed Chang's passing and shared a tribute in his memory. "With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the AREAA Atlanta chapter BOD would like to share the news of the sudden passing of our Chapter President and dear friend, Jimmy Chang," the post read. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ALLEGEDLY KILLED MOTHER, SON IN DRUNK DRIVING CRASH DESPITE BEING DEPORTED 4 TIMES A beloved Georgia realtor was killed in a suspected DUI crash over the weekend – sources tell Fox News Digital the suspect that caused the crash was an illegal immigrant. (FOX Atlanta) "Since joining the AREAA Atlanta Chapter in 2017, Jimmy has been an integral part of our community, demonstrating unwavering kindness, dedication, and leadership - all in a style that is uniquely Jimmy." CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Chang's brother told WSB-TV that their family is devastated and still in shock that their beloved Jimmy is gone. "It’s devastating for all the family right now, still can’t process that he’s gone. He impacted a lot of lives," Jason Chang said. Fox News Digital reached out to the Chamblee Police Department for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.