Kicking off the holidays

Step 1: Prepare a fresh turkey for deep frying with a marinade of white wine and Italian dressing, followed by a rub of salt, pepper, chili powder and cayenne pepper. The bigger mess made, the tastier the turkey.

Step 2: Enjoy said turkey with your hands. Tackling a turkey wing in "shotgun" fashion makes for crazy faces and giggles.

Step 3: Smile when your belly is full. Although, remember the fullness must subside when Thanksgiving themed cupcakes make an appearance.

Step 4: Stare in awe at the Christmas tree that miraculously made its way up despite the 2,000 lights, boxes and boxes of ornaments and four hours of much-aided work it required.