Thanksgiving comes only once a year and for some Americans it's even bigger than Christmas. Whether they are home (in the United States) or posted overseas, celebrating this day is a must. But along with this day comes a lot of planning and...The key is to be the boss. "Your family and friends are going to look for you to take the lead, so you have to be in charge," says Josie Littlepage, an event planner with Cosmopolitan Events in St Louis. 'You're going to be the one making the decisions, from what's on the menu to where people are going to sit."

This means you can really make Thanksgiving your own and be thankful for those around you. Here a few tips to help your day go smoothly.

Games and parades: While you are in the kitchen, have the television tuned to the holiday favourites, like the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and NFL football games, if you have these channels from your cable provider.

Set up a card table if you need extra seating. Or use the cocktail table and cushions.

Handling mishaps: Whatever happens, laugh about it and move on.

Help yourself: Move the serving table from the wall for a two-line buffet.

Let the little ones help: Have them form dinner rolls, set the children's table or prepare cake pans.

Start a new tradition: Take photos, perform a skit or play songs on the piano.