Thanksgiving Feng Shui: 7 Tips to Take the Bite out of Turkey Day

Fast approaching, the Thanksgiving holiday is the one where gratitude is supposed to take center stage while a moist and roasted turkey takes up that same sort of real estate on the table. We're all so grateful for our gifts and talents, boons and blessings, yet sometimes this very day elicits an opposite emotion from some of us.

Sometimes, just sometimes, when family, friends and ancestors all assemble for a holiday celebration, harsh words make it onto the menu, too -- making all the ennui a bit too hard to swallow. "I've got a bone to pick with you" might not be referring to the one where pinky wishes are silently made. Yes, we all know that holidays bring families together, but what happens when some who go the distance end up being driven apart?

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Let's face it, we all want these special days to unfold in a smooth, stress-free and enjoyable way -- especially Thanksgiving! With its emphasis on both appreciation and appetizers, this holiday can be unusually stuffed full with equal amounts of dark meat and dread.

Just ask Meredith! Married for more than 20 years, Meredith had never hosted the family Thanksgiving before and was bound and determined to make everything absolutely perfect, from menu to table décor to making sure that her furniture placement made her guests feel comfy and at ease during that first year she was tasked with turkey duty. Yes, Meredith was intent on creating the most beautiful weekend in the world, although, truth be told, she was concerned about her older sister, a critical chick with a gourmet palate and a forked tongue who had a particular gift for getting under Meredith's skin.

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One shade shy of frantic, Meredith rang me last year and asked if there was anything from the worlds of ancient traditions and customs that would help make this modern-day celebration one that would wow! Of course there is. Here are some of the powerful and positive results-oriented action items that I offered up:

1) Always try your best to use yellow mums as the floral décor of choice, and also try your best to place them strategically all throughout the home. These plants, along with other assorted fresh-cut flowers, are known to Usher in both tranquility and peace while also bringing a handy dash of recognition and reward for you efforts. Yellow flowers are often used to enhance and "wake up" a room, much like the rising sun does each day. Stay with that idea because yellow flowers are believed to bring a sunshine spirit to any room, as they lighten and brighten while creating a cozy, welcoming environment. Now, if you are visiting (and lucky you if you are!) you can go ahead and gift your host and hostess with a yellow mum. (You'll then be wishing them a heaping helping of harmony and happiness.) And then your friendship will be something that they will be truly thankful for!