11/23/2024
Worried about political tension, or even fighting at your TG gathering this year? I have been talking with clients who are worried about this quite a bit more than usual, since the recent election. Here are some tips: 1) If you are hosting, you can certainly ask all people attending to simply NOT talk politics over the table this season. Yessss....that's allowed! Or...provide a space away from the table for those who look forward to these debates...the basement? The garage? 2) Think about and decide what your family GOAL is for that day. Most people simply want to connect and eat good food, maybe watch some football together, or go for a long family walk before pie. Say to yourself something like "my goal for my time with Uncle Joe is to share some of the jokes we normally share, play pool, and hear about his college days," or "My goal with my time with mom is to hit all traditions we love: make the turkey and dressing, have a glass of wine while listening to our favorite jazz." Whatever it is...ask yourself, truly, what is MOST important for these five hours we spend together. Likely...it is NOT going to be changing someone's political mindset. It's okay to say "I am up for having this political discussion with you....let's plan a day next week we can go out for coffee or a long walk together...because I love you and I only want to enjoy, today, the many things we have in common."
