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Mindy Kaling delegated key dishes to friends so she can focus on her five favorites for Thanksgiving

Advanced prep and casseroles help the star stay calm, social and out of the kitchen chaos

For the Kaling family, the holiday season starts early, with a Christmas tree being lit up since late October

While many people are scrambling to put their Thanksgiving dinner together, Mindy Kaling thought ahead - for everyone's comfort.

During an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Running Point star, 45, shared her Thanksgiving cooking plans, admitting that while she loves being in the kitchen, holiday cooking is simply "a lot" and a major feat to take on alone. That's why this year, she's chosen to recruit her favorite people to help make the dinner spread come together.

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