The Day After Thanksgiving Guide: Smart Leftovers and December Planning
How to rest well, organize what’s left, and set yourself up for a joyful (not exhausting) December
By Sterling Event Services — Serving Cleveland & Northeast Ohio for 30 Years
The Most Important Day You’re Probably Ignoring
The day after Thanksgiving might be the single most underestimated day of the entire holiday season.
It looks simple on paper: leftovers, rest, maybe a nap, maybe some shopping. But in reality?
The way you spend the day after Thanksgiving determines how stressful—or peaceful—your December will be.
Yes, really.
After 30 years planning weddings and events in Cleveland, and more than 60 years of family holidays, here’s what I know:
If you don’t reset this weekend, December will run you instead of you running December.
This blog is your guide to doing it the easy way—with rest, smart systems, and zero guilt.
FRIDAY: THE GREAT EXHALE (AKA: DO ALMOST NOTHING)
Let’s start with the most important rule: Friday is not for productivity.
It is for recovery.
You likely just spent the past week prepping food, hosting, traveling, cleaning, and juggling family dynamics. Whether you loved it or merely survived it, your body and brain are tired.
So Friday is intentionally slow.
FRIDAY MORNING: THE PERFECT LEFTOVER SANDWICH
This part is non-negotiable.
There is one correct Friday-morning activity, and that is making The Sandwich:
Thin-sliced white bread (Pepperidge Farm is correct)
Hellmann’s mayonnaise on both slices
Turkey (white meat, sliced thin)
Stuffing (cold or warm)
Cranberry sauce
Optional: a sprinkle of black pepper
If you know, you know.
Make it. Sit down. Enjoy it. Do not multitask. This moment matters more than you think.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON: LIGHT ORGANIZING (ONLY IF YOU FEEL UP TO IT)
If you have overnight guests, pack leftovers for them. If your fridge is overflowing, make a three-column list:
Eat
Freeze
Share
Then do only what feels manageable. No heavy cleaning, no big projects.
This is also when you ask your first big question of the season:
“What do I want December to FEEL like?”
Not:
“What do I need to do?”
“What is expected of me?”
“Who needs what?”
But:
What do I want this season to FEEL like?
This one question will guide every decision you make for the next 30 days.
FRIDAY EVENING: EARLY BEDTIME, ZERO GUILT
Turn off the TV early.
Put the phone in another room.
Take a hot shower.
Go to bed early.
You earned this.
Planning your December?
This is the perfect time to use the free planner that goes with this guide.
Download your December Holiday Planner here 👇🏼
SATURDAY: THE MAIN PLANNING DAY
Saturday is the most important planning day of the holiday season.
It’s when we gently transition from Thanksgiving mode into December mode—without the panic, without the chaos, and without the pressure to do everything at once.
SATURDAY MORNING: THE DECEMBER OVERVIEW
Pull out your December calendar and mark:
✔ All commitments
Work
Kids’ events
School concerts
Travel
Church
Traditions
✔ All non-negotiables
These are the things that matter most to you. Protect them.
A quiet weekend
Your child’s play
The night you decorate the tree
A no-plans Sunday
Therapy
A date night
A night completely alone
A night with family
✔ Hosting Plans
Are you hosting anything this month?
If yes: when, what time, how many people, and what support do you need?
This one hour of planning prevents weeks of December chaos.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: GATHER SUPPLIES (WITHOUT RUSHING)
You do NOT have to decorate today.
You do NOT have to transform your home.
You do NOT have to tackle big projects.
You’re simply preparing:
Pull out décor bins
Check lights
Take stock of gift wrap
Replace burnt-out candles
Go tree shopping if you’re getting a real one
Pick up basics for the week ahead
These tiny touches create breathing room for the weeks ahead.
SATURDAY EVENING: DEFINE WHAT MATTERS MOST
List the 3–5 things that create the holiday “feeling” you love:
Maybe it’s…
A decorated tree
Hot chocolate on Sunday nights
One night of Christmas movies
Twinkle lights
A quiet walk in the Metroparks
Stockings on the mantel
Baking one batch of cookies
Christmas Eve with close family
Prioritize those. Release the rest.
December is not about everything. t’s about the right few things.
SUNDAY: CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE (DECORATE OR REST)
Sunday is flexible and should be based entirely on your energy.
You have two valid options:
OPTION A: DECORATE
If you’re in the mood, decorate calmly and intentionally. Not the whole house—just the essentials:
Tree
One statement area (mantel OR entryway OR dining table)
A wreath
Lights in a window
One meaningful heirloom or tradition
Stop when you’re satisfied—not when everything looks “done.” There is no prize for decorating every room.
OPTION B: REST
This is equally productive—maybe more.
Do a final December hosting plan
Order holiday cards (or decide not to!)
Meal prep for Monday–Wednesday
Take a nap
Read a book
Cozy blankets + candle + nothing else
Reflect on the transition weekend
Both options help you enter Monday and December prepared—not frazzled.
MONDAY: RESET & FINAL LEFTOVER DAY
This is the final day to deal with the refrigerator.
Monday Checklist:
Eat remaining safe leftovers
Freeze what you want to keep
Toss anything questionable
Clean out the fridge
Reset the kitchen
Do one load of laundry
Review the December plan you created
By Monday evening, you’re ready for December. Not behind. Not panicked. Ready.
THE LEFTOVER SURVIVAL SYSTEM
This section is for those who want to avoid food waste and maximize flavor.
DAY 1 (FRIDAY): THE ESSENTIALS
Beyond the perfect sandwich:
Label & Sort
Label every container
Separate items into Eat / Freeze / Share
Give guests their take-home bags
DAYS 2–3 (SATURDAY–SUNDAY): GET CREATIVE
Reheat As-Is
Mashed potatoes
Casseroles
Sweet potatoes
Rolls
Pie (cold or warm—no wrong answers)
Quick Remixes
Turkey Quesadillas: turkey + cheese + tortilla
Turkey Soup: broth + veggies + noodles
Turkey Salad: mayo + celery + cranberries
Turkey Fried Rice: rice + veggies + soy
Stuffing Waffles: waffle iron + gravy
Breakfast Scramble: eggs + stuffing
Stuffing Crusted Chicken: coat + bake
Potato Pancakes: fry in oil
Shepherd’s Pie: topping
Add to soups: thickens beautifully
Cranberry Upgrades:
Stir into yogurt
Add to oatmeal
Spread on grilled cheese
Glaze for chicken or pork
DAY 4 (MONDAY): FINAL CALL
Toss anything past its prime
Freeze what’s safe
Fully clean fridge
Food safety reminder:
Refrigerate within 2 hours
Eat within 3–4 days
Freeze by day 4
Reheat to 165°F
THE DECEMBER 80/20 RULE
Here’s the truth: 80% of your December joy comes from 20% of your efforts.
Find your 20%. For most people, it’s:
Tree
Lights
One magical corner
A meaningful tradition
Warm food
A moment of connection
A cozy night at home
And the things that often don’t matter?
Decorating every room
Elaborate outdoor displays
Matching family outfits
Dozens of cookies
Hosting everything
Saying yes to everything
A spotless home
When you focus on your 20%, you get:
More joy.
More peace.
More energy.
Less resentment.
CLEVELAND HOLIDAY RESOURCES (LOCAL GUIDE)
This section is tailored specifically for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
TREE FARMS
Geauga County Tree Farms — multiple locations
Full experience, cut-your-ownTimbuk Farms (Medina) — less crowded
Great selection, fair pricesHurd Orchards (North Madison)
Tree farm + apples + baked goods
Quick Lot Options
Lowe’s (Rt 306)
Home Depot
Local churches & Boy Scouts
Best Tree Types
Fraser Fir (best retention)
Douglas Fir (classic)
Scotch Pine (affordable)
DÉCOR SHOPPING
HomeGoods
Bremec Garden Center
Petitti Garden Centers
West Side Market (greens, ribbon)
CLEVELAND EXPERIENCES
CVSR Polar Express — book early
Playhouse Square — Christmas Story, Nutcracker
Metroparks — hikes & nature programs
Public Square Ice Rink — downtown lights
This is my personal family tradition!
PREPARED FOODS
Heinen’s
Whole Foods
West Point Market (Akron)
Local caterers (Sterling Events can refer you!)
SCRIPTS FOR SAYING NO
Copy these. Use them. Protect your peace.
For Social Plans
“Thank you for thinking of us! We’re keeping December simple this year, so we’ll have to pass.”
For Hosting Pressure
“We’re taking a break from hosting this year, but thank you for asking!”
For Traditions
“We’re simplifying traditions. Just focusing on the few that matter most.”
For Gift Exchanges
“We’re not doing gift exchanges this year—just enjoying time together!”
The Universal Script
“Thanks for thinking of me! I’m keeping December commitments minimal to protect my energy.”
DECEMBER MEAL PLANNING SURVIVAL
Weeks 1–2: Normal Meals
Slow cooker
Sheet pan
Breakfast for dinner
Leftovers
Pizza night
Week 3: Survival Mode
Takeout
Frozen meals
Rotisserie chicken
Bagged salads
Cereal if needed (yes, this is allowed)
Week 4: Holiday Meals
Follow your plan; keep it simple between gatherings.
Week 5: Recovery
Rest, reset, and prepare for January.
SO, YOU ARE READY FOR DECEMBER
Take a breath.
Sip something warm.
Look around your home.
You do not need to do everything.
You do not need to impress anyone.
You do not need to match anyone else’s December.
You need only this:
To show up with energy, clarity, and joy.
Remember:
80% of joy comes from 20% of effort
Rest is productive
Friday is for recovery
Saturday is for planning
Sunday is for gentle transition
You are allowed to say no
December should feel like yours
You’re ready.
If you’re ready to step into December with more calm, clarity, and joy,
you’ll love the FREE 12-page December Holiday Planner that pairs with this guide.
Download Your December Holiday Planner Here👇🏼
It includes:
✔ Weekend checklists
✔ A December priority worksheet
✔ Week-by-week timelines
✔ Cleveland resources
✔ Meal planning help
✔ Permission slips for a calmer season
…and more.
You don’t have to do December alone.
If you want help planning your holiday gatherings or designing a stress-free season, I’d love to support you.
Serving Cleveland & Northeast Ohio
