But, Thanksgiving, like other large, family gatherings, means you’re going to have a lot of people — and a lot of exposure to germs.

A survey conducted recently by Clorox offered this insight:

• Before guests arrive, (65%) of those responding always clean the crumbs (visible debris, dirt and dust) and wash guest linens (63%) compared to fifty three percent who disinfect germ hot spots in the bathroom, kitchen and living room. 
• Overall survey responders reported cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting more frequently after guests leave than before they arrive or during their stay. 
• Nearly half of respondents mistakenly believe cleaning with soap and water kills bacteria (47%), and more than a third mistakenly believe it kills cold and flu viruses (39%).

This survey was put forth by a cleaning agent company, so, of course, the message is going to be that you need to disinfect and make your home more germ-free friendly.

But, that’s a good message, especially since you want to help prevent the spread of those little cold sniffles or other illnesses, like the flu.

According to a graphic created by The Clorox Company, some of the germ “hotspots” you might consider wiping down before and during family gatherings include (and I’ve added a few of my own):  

You get the idea. And, yes, I know we should keep our homes clean all the time, but the reality is that sometimes, some of us, let the chores slip a little.

How do you keep your home always company-friendly and clean?

Or, do you have some cleaning tips you’d like to share?

– Linda Lynn

LLynn@opubco.com

Each Thanksgiving for the past 23 years I have traveled out of town to enjoy a traditional feast with my husband’s family in Stigler, OK.

In the beginning, I don’t think I was expected to bring anything, not even a green bean casserole. I was the girlfriend, so there weren’t a lot of demands.

Even after we were married, my mother-in-law, Irene, would tell me, “Just bring paper plates and cups.”

I would wonder if it was a hidden message about my cooking skills, but I’m sure it was just to make it easier for me.

Occasionally, when we stayed at her house, I would make something there. But this is the lineup of what I’ve brought through the years … nothing spectacular:

- Paper plates and cups  

- Pickles and olives

- Cream cheese, salsa, cheese and crackers

- A store-bought cheesecake

- Cookies

- Pumpkin bread

- Rolls

I’ve never brought the true backbone dishes of the meal: Turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Mountain Dew cake, and, of course, chocolate, coconut, mincemeat, pecan or pumpkin pie.  

So, what am I bringing this year?

I’m not sure yet … maybe a pie or bread or cookies or cupcakes …. I’m determined to not bring paper anything!

But, I’m sure, when it’s Wednesday night and I’m tired and I know we have to get up early Thanksgiving morning to travel, I’ll wish Irene was telling me, “Just bring paper plates and cups.”

– Linda Lynn

LLynn@opubco.com