How do I tell my family not to come over on Thanksgiving?

Tell them you want a small, intimate dinner with just the people in your house to celebrate and give thanks.

What about asking someone else to host Thanksgiving dinner this year because you just don't have time to handle the preparation and cleanup? Either that should get them to do it this year, or cancel the whole thing if they can't be bothered. If they host Thanksgiving, you can go, but just excuse yourself and go home if drama gets too annoying.

Don't mention the drama though. A group of people that's prone to being dramatic isn't going to change because you said you're fed up. They'd probably just use that as an occasion for more drama.

Just tell them exactly what you told us. With families, sometimes honesty is the best policy. If they really want you around for Thanksgiving, then I think you will see some of them trying to help you clean up and maybe drop the drama. Good luck. Remember you only have one family.

Tell them you are leaving town.

Tell them you have to work.

Tell them you plan on having the flu (wait that wont work).

Tell them you don't want to cook and clean up and so you made reservations at a local restaurant and you guys are all going to pay for yourselves. There are lots of places that have dinner on thanksgiving.

Tell everyone you run across as you see them, that you are eating out on Thanksgiving and you're looking forward to a long weekend to relax. Then lock yourself in your house and don't answer the door!

You and the people you want to spend the holiday with should go somewhere else ... that way your place will be EMPTY when your family arrives. Leave them a note so they don't call the police and say you are missing ... but GO OUT and just let them discover the truth for themselves ...

Just tell them you have to work OR if they are far away then say you've been invited to Thanksgiving thrown by a friend..

I know this can be a sticky situation, but just stick to your guns!

Sorry we have plans.

I am with you and if my family showed up at my door step, gosh!! I have trained them that I do not host any such things......Nor am I going to there little drama parties (most people call these holiday get togethers).

Be honest and say guys, I have a lot of drama going on, my house isn't the cleanest and after dinner I am exausted from cooking and cleaning. I'm sorry but it's just to much work. Please understnad.

well just try to get everyone to help you clean up before thanksgiving dinner than order out =) well you can just be like umm i have to work my cheap a** boss isnt giving me a day off!sry guys im sure you can do it though!have a great thanksgiving!

Tell them you are going away & don't bother coming over, go to a friends house or a motel that day.