What To Do When Holiday Gatherings Turn To Politics

It has been a hard year.  The stress of our normal duties and obligations have been intensified by political stress.  I have been looking forward to the holiday season because the election would be over and, whether I like the outcome or not, a decision would be made.  However, half of the country is exceedingly happy while the other half is reveling in worry and disbelief.  Now those opposing forces are going to gather for hours as families in homes for the holidays.  These celebrations could be events of great joy and community and tradition, or they could lead to arguing at the table or a political blow up in the family room.  The volatility of these family gatherings may seem like too much, you may opt not to attend. However, I have another option:

You don’t have to talk politics.

Look, the holidays only come around once a year, and you aren’t going to see these people for another 365 days.  Why ruin this event?  If someone brings up a topic that you don’t want to talk about, tell them that you would rather not talk about it.  You have the right not to talk.  And, don’t see this as weakness.  This is the power of composure at a time when it is easy to be emotional.  There may be a time to talk about it in the future, but not today.  Find something else to talk about, reminisce, update, tell them about the funniest event of the year. Make your holidays positive, make good memories.  You can talk about politics later.