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The holidays feel magical until the tension creeps in. We open the door wide on both sides of the season: the deep, steady warmth of gratitude and the practical playbook that keeps family gatherings peaceful. From a year marked by divorce, homelessness, and a cancer diagnosis, Mikey shares how thankfulness can be more than a table ritual—it can be a mindset that helps you stand back up when life knocks you down.

We get honest about the pressure that turns Thanksgiving into a performance. Rather than chasing perfection, we design for connection: right-sized gatherings, intentional menus, and rituals that center presence over polish. You’ll hear real-world strategies for drama free holidays, including hosting a sober event when alcohol adds friction, choosing formats that fit your people (buffet, open house, staggered visits), and the underrated power of clear house rules. If certain relatives spark conflict, we map out kinder ways to separate combustible combos without forcing anyone to pick sides.

We also offer simple, repeatable tools that shift the tone. Try a gratitude circle with kids to build the habit early. Keep a three-line journal to retrain your attention toward what’s holding you up. Use direct, compassionate scripts—“I love having you here; when politics starts, tension rises. Can we keep it light today?”—to protect the room without shaming anyone. Round it out with acts of service: a food bank donation, a plate for a neighbor, or a call to someone alone this season. The result is a holiday that

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Sincerely,

Michael DeMattee (DJ Mikey D)
Life Coach/Podcaster/Producer/Author
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