Cauli Mash So Good, We Can’t Believe It’s Keto

Materials + Tools:

• 1 roll of tin foil
• 2 packages of crescent rolls
• 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

Iris life changes forever when she meets Arthur in Los Angeles.

The premise of The Holiday movie is pretty simple: Iris and Amanda swap homes for two weeks over Christmas to avoid their disastrous love lives, unknowingly agreeing to an adventure that ultimately changes them — and their love lives — forever. (Oh what I wouldn't give to hop on a plane to Europe to avoid boys. What a dream). When she lands in Los Angeles, Iris is totally overwhelmed by Amanda's gorgeous home, the DVD setup, and gigantic bed, but the aspect of her holiday that really shines is her ability to connect with people.

We see Iris learn all of the gardeners' names (as well as the mailman's) barely a week after arriving, and when she notices Amanda's elderly neighbor Arthur walking alone, she immediately pulls over to help him find his house. (Also, sidebar: this scene always terrifies me because why is Arthur in the middle of the street?! Why aren't you on a side walk, A?!).

Iris helps Arthur home and takes a look around his living room (which boasts at least one Emmy and Academy Award each) before inviting him to have dinner with her and boom! The greatest relationship in the movie is born.

Arthur empowers Iris to be "the leading lady in her own life."

These two become fast friends, as Iris confides in him about her disastrous love life that very same night, and he offers her a beautiful piece of advice about acting like "the leading lady in your own life" (remember folks, this was decades before main character energy). Iris also reminds him just how much of a role he played in Hollywood by helping him prep for his Writers Guild of America gala with strength training so he can climb the stairs without his walker.

So though it's not romantic, Iris and Arthur's relationship is the true love story of The Holiday because of how much love and confidence they offer each other. Neither of them expect anything in return — they just enjoy being together.

And Iris gives Arthur his confidence back too!

Soon, it's time to head off to the WGA gala, and Arthur gives Iris a corsage, apologizing if it's corny or doesn't match her outfit. Iris declares she's "looking for corny," and it's such a small moment that really illustrates that the way they've empowered each other has changed their lives forever.

Iris helps Arthur feel sure of himself again, while Arthur's encouragement helps Iris find her power...and kick her ex Jasper out of her life forever! (Plus Arthur definitely picks up on the vibes between Iris and Miles during their Hanukkah dinner party. The ultimate wingman!).

When Iris and Arthur arrive at the WGA gala, and a sold-out crowd gives Arthur a standing ovation, it's clear he wasn't expecting so many people to care about his work. And in his overwhelming shock, he has Iris to lean on. Iris and Arthur don't only care about each other, they depend on each other, and their trust, love, and understanding is just the cherry on top. And sorry Jude Law, but I'll take that over romance any day.