Here it is, that special time of year, again. The weather is cooling off, leaves are changing color, and flannel pj’s with big fluffy slippers are getting hauled out. Maybe you’re thinking about enjoying some of your favorite holiday foods as you gaze into the fireplace. Can’t wait for the pumpkin pie? Pass the whipped cream!

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, what if it doesn’t? What if you’re embarrassed that you’re strapped for money and really worried how you will manage all the extra expenses? What if you are overwhelmed with figuring out how to feed a gluten-free, vegetarian, pescetarian, carnivore menu? What if you hate pumpkin pie (I do)?

A few years ago a nice man named James was seeing me for what could only be described as a broken heart following the break-up of a long-term relationship. James was a chef, and it was the week before Thanksgiving. This was his favorite time of year to cook for and entertain all his in-laws as he had no family himself anywhere nearby. But this year was different as the in-laws went with the now ex, and James was facing spending the holiday alone. How much sadness can one heart handle?

James and I spent a lot of time brainstorming ideas for things he could do on Thanksgiving. We even talked about the option of just enduring that one difficult day. With no good answer surfacing, we sat in silence until I said, “You know, it really is just a matter of perspective. “Tell me more about that one.”

“The fact of the matter is that it’s just Thursday. We assign meaning beyond that and can declare it pretty much whatever we want—including a success, a failure, neither or both.” He considered this option for some time and then declared, “That works for me!”

Over time and before James successfully finished his work with me, he dubbed any situation where a mountain was made out of a proverbial molehill as being “just Thursday,” and then he would laugh. James has a wonderful laugh.

So, what are you doing for Thanksgiving?