Thanksgiving is right around the corner and it only comes around once a year. So try to make the best of it! Remember to follow these tips and you will enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving.

Do not be afraid to get seconds, or thirds!

There is no shame in enjoying food made by your family members. As long as there is enough for everybody, feel free to help yourself.

Do not complain about the length of time it takes for your grandmother to cook.

If you go to your grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving each year, it is likely that she has been hosting your family for many years. This means that while she may not move at the speed your stomach desires, her main priority is ensuring that the food is just right to serve to her family to keep them coming back. Be patient, and the delicious food and family time will be more than a reward.

Do not hide in the bathroom when it’s time for the annual family photo.

When everybody is reminiscing about the photos from previous years, do not be the one left out. Even if it is not your most stunning photo, keep in mind it’s your family. They care less about your appearance and more about having you with them.

Do not leave the turkey on the counter. The dog will eat it.

This is not a rule to be disregarded. Do not learn from experience, take the word of those who have gone turkey-less on Thanksgiving.

Do not begin eating before finding a spot on the couch to collapse on afterwards.

You will thank yourself later. While eating your way into a food coma is not advisable, it is a danger that must be met with precaution, preferably a large. fluffy precaution.

Do not plan on going to the gym the day after

Although you may think going to the gym the day after Thanksgiving sounds like a good idea, the regret will kick in pretty soon after you arrive. Turkey contains a great deal of L-Tryptophan which causes headaches, exhaustion, and nausea. You won’t feel so good once you are falling asleep on the treadmill.

Do Not Eat Before Dinner

There will be so much food served at dinner that you should save room to eat. Don’t snack too much or you will miss out on the delicacies on the meal. Try not to fill up on chips and dip and save room for the good stuff.

Do Not Throw Out Leftovers

Thanksgiving always seems to be better the second day. If you have a lot of leftovers, do not waste them; make sure to save them in plastic containers and put them in the fridge. After you are done digesting the dinner from the night before, be sure to indulge in a nice sloppy sandwich of stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce.

Do Not Forget to Get Dessert

Pumpkin pie only comes around once a year and that’s Thanksgiving! The desserts on this food-lovers holiday stand out more than most; pumpkin pie, pecan pie, apple pie, turkey shaped cupcakes, cookies, and much more. Don’t fear the calories — embrace them.

Do Not Forget to be Thankful

While you are remembering what not to do on Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful. Thanksgiving is all about being grateful for what you have so in between getting your second plate of food and protecting the turkey from the dog don’t forget to take a minute to appreciate your life and the things you have.