Surviving Thanksgiving (and Still Looking Cute Doing It)

Blog by Juliza — Makeup Artist & Mom in Hustle Mode

Thanksgiving: where the love is big, and the chaos is bigger. Between basting the turkey, juggling last-minute side dishes, corralling the kids (who somehow always end up in juice-stained outfits), and keeping the house from looking like a tornado hit it — it’s easy to feel like there’s no room left for us.

But here’s the thing: we deserve to feel good too. Even if it’s just for those quick family photos, the group selfie before dinner, or a tiny confidence boost before your guests walk through the door.

Speaking from experience — last year, I was running around helping my mom cook, keeping my 3-year-old daughter entertained, and somehow trying to get us both ready before 5 p.m. Let’s just say… it was chaotic, messy, and hilarious all at the same time. And somehow, I survived (with a little lip gloss and prayer).

Here’s my survival guide to staying sane and presentable this Thanksgiving:

1. Prep ahead — for everything.Chop veggies, measure spices, and even prep desserts the night before. Lay out everyone’s outfits (yes, including yours!) and maybe even plan a simple, quick-glam look you can pull off in 10 minutes. The more ready you are, the less you’ll be running around in panic mode.

2. The 10-minute glow.If you only have 10 minutes to spare: focus on the essentials. Hydrated skin, mascara, a pop of blush, and lip tint can transform “tired” into “ready for photos.” I swear by this combo — it’s quick, effective, and makes you feel put together without eating into your cooking time.

Infinity Volumizing Mascara

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Milky Way Melt Cream Blush

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3. Sneak in “me time” wherever you can.Thanksgiving is non-stop, but even 5 minutes counts. While the turkey’s roasting, sneak off for a skincare refresh or swipe on your favorite lip gloss. Sip that iced coffee (light and sweet, of course ☕️) and take a deep breath — maybe even sneak in a mini stretch while the kids are distracted. Little moments like these keep you feeling human, not just the Thanksgiving manager.

Extra tips to keep your glow going:

• Keep a small “touch-up kit” nearby — mascara, lip tint, blotting papers, or a cream blush. Perfect for quick fixes before guests arrive.

• Set a timer for a mini pause — even a two-minute deep breath while checking your list can reset your mood.

• Play your favorite upbeat playlist — music can instantly lift your energy while you cook or tidy up.

4. Remember, presence beats perfection.The house doesn’t have to be magazine-perfect, the pie doesn’t have to win awards, and the turkey can be slightly uneven. What matters most is showing up, enjoying the people around you, and maybe snapping a few selfies along the way. Your kids, your family, your friends — they’ll remember your energy, not whether the gravy was lump-free.

5. Embrace the chaos and laugh at it. Kids spilling cranberry sauce? Oven mishaps? That awkward conversation with your cousin? Laugh. Deep down, these are the moments you’ll tell stories about next year. And hey, looking cute while laughing through it all? That’s the real magic.

So here’s to surviving Thanksgiving, keeping our lashes curled, our coffee in hand, and still finding those tiny moments for ourselves. You’re doing amazing — and you’re definitely not alone in the Thanksgiving hustle.