If you are strapped for time or would like to make this Thanksgiving meal less work without skimping on family traditions, consider making it a potluck affair. With everyone working together on one meal, it will all come together smoothly, leaving more time to spend with family and friends.
If you are hosting the meal at your home, consider doing the turkey or other traditional meat, as this requires use of an oven for several hours and would be awkward for someone else to bring. This way, you can put all your effort into roasting the perfect bird and taking care of the other little odds and ends involved in preparation and hosting.
Have each family coming bring one traditional dish. For example, someone can bring the sweet potatoes, another can bring a pumpkin pie. Assign one dish to each family, or make a list and have them choose which item they would like to prepare and bring, marking each item off as it is selected.
This will ensure that you have a large, traditional holiday meal, without all the fuss. Each family joining in the meal will have made a contribution, which means a lot less work for you and more time to enjoy those whom you have invited.
Happy Thanksgiving!