Food for Thought

Dear Alisa and Gina,

Every year my extended family gets together for Christmas Eve at my sister and brother-in-law’s house. They make a lovely meal but they are always so disorganized that the food is usually cold by the time we eat. Last year I offered a few suggestions on how to make it go more smoothly AND provide us with a warm meal. I’m sort of a stickler for coordinating foods. They seemed to take my suggestions to heart at the time, but this year, they were still doing it the same way.  How should I say it so they can hear it? ~ Hungry for an Answer

Sometimes it’s best to consider whether you’re offering advice for your own comfort or with the intention of truly helping the other person. I would say that you’ve done what you can and it’s time to relinquish your desire to control the situation. Take a deep breath, smile and enjoy the generosity of your family. ~ Alisa

Sounds like my Mom – great cook with bad timing. You can always take your plate into the kitchen and throw it in the microwave when no one is looking (good luck with that.) Just take it out before the beeps – they’re a giveaway. ~ Gina