Do any of you make a point to avoid politics at Thanksgiving dinner? I’m really hoping for a peaceful holiday this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. I'm a very politically active Democrat, married to someone who voted for Trump this last time. (But not the first two times!).

Here's how I see it. I love my husband, and I love my relatives who voted for the person I detest and totally lack respect for. #47 has cost me plenty already, because I think he has greatly weakened my country. (And I love America! even though I don't put flags all over myself).

We won't talk politics, at all. We will appreciate being together, the kids being a year older, the good food, the traditions. Geez, some of these people may not be alive next year. (We're getting up there).

I don't understand how anyone could vote for Trump, and I loathe him, but I also love people I have known for years, and I hope they'll figure out how wrong their vote was. But we're not talking about that on Turkey Day.

Sorry, but I would consider divorce. Voting for Trump in 2024 is inexcusable. And I'm friends with someone who voted for Trump. I draw the line at being married to one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter likes to joke about Trump and even cracks jokes about Charlie Kirk, and my brother is most likely showing up in his Trump hat. I’m just trying to prevent any tension or arguments at the table.

If you’ve dealt with mixed political views in the family, how do you keep things respectful and drama-free during the holidays?

Why? Peace is overrated.

[Anonymous]

Guests or hosts who raise deliberately provocative topics are being inhospitable. There's a reason Freemasons prohibit discussion in Lodge of politics or religion; those topics are very likely to result in interpersonal conflicts and tension, and a lack of harmony among attendees. And, human nature being what it is, nobody is likely to be persuaded to change their point of view just because they are challenged to by a rude host or guest.

It's an exercise in futility, and an example of ungraciousness.

[Anonymous]

No Nazis at my Thanksgiving

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter likes to joke about Trump and even cracks jokes about Charlie Kirk, and my brother is most likely showing up in his Trump hat. I’m just trying to prevent any tension or arguments at the table.

If you’ve dealt with mixed political views in the family, how do you keep things respectful and drama-free during the holidays?

My loved ones are all on the same page. Have you seen videos on X of Trumpers burning MAGA hats? They flame as if they are soaked in gasoline. You should not tolerate the hats lest there be an accident near the fireplace.

[Anonymous]

It really sucks. We aren't seeing my parents or extended family for the indefinite future because I can't deal with them. I grew up in a Christian family but while they were reasonable and thoughtful about their faith in my youth, my parents have gotten super Evangelical and paranoid about hell since they've aged. My dad types up elaborate letters about his fear for our eternal souls and hands them to us when he sees us. And then he rapidly supports Trump. My mom supports my dad (traditional wife) and frankly isn't as mentally sharp as she once was. So I feel terrible but I can't deal with any of it. It's a horrible, horrible cult that had torn apart our family.

The irony is that my husband and I are fairly religious as well. My parents have nothing to worry about in this regard. The rest of my generation (brothers, cousins) have completely forsaken all religion. They've had enough.

It's just horrible what the MAGA cult has done to many families like mine. I don't speak to my 80+ year old parents because of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok. I'm a very politically active Democrat, married to someone who voted for Trump this last time. (But not the first two times!).

Here's how I see it. I love my husband, and I love my relatives who voted for the person I detest and totally lack respect for. #47 has cost me plenty already, because I think he has greatly weakened my country. (And I love America! even though I don't put flags all over myself).

We won't talk politics, at all. We will appreciate being together, the kids being a year older, the good food, the traditions. Geez, some of these people may not be alive next year. (We're getting up there).

I don't understand how anyone could vote for Trump, and I loathe him, but I also love people I have known for years, and I hope they'll figure out how wrong their vote was. But we're not talking about that on Turkey Day.

Sorry, but I would consider divorce. Voting for Trump in 2024 is inexcusable. And I'm friends with someone who voted for Trump. I draw the line at being married to one.

We disagree on many things, but I'm so grateful that my spouse and I agree on Trump and Republicans.

Other family members, not so much. I just don't talk politics or anything related during my brief visits with them, like for Thanksgiving. If I had to spend a lot of time with them, I might not be able to stay silent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter likes to joke about Trump and even cracks jokes about Charlie Kirk, and my brother is most likely showing up in his Trump hat. I’m just trying to prevent any tension or arguments at the table.

If you’ve dealt with mixed political views in the family, how do you keep things respectful and drama-free during the holidays?

"Look, if we're going to discuss politics, I don't see it ending well. And this is supposed to be a family day of thanks. So I'd rather we not discuss it. If you are going to then either I'm leaving the room OR I'm going to throw down. You pick."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Guests or hosts who raise deliberately provocative topics are being inhospitable. There's a reason Freemasons prohibit discussion in Lodge of politics or religion; those topics are very likely to result in interpersonal conflicts and tension, and a lack of harmony among attendees. And, human nature being what it is, nobody is likely to be persuaded to change their point of view just because they are challenged to by a rude host or guest.

It's an exercise in futility, and an example of ungraciousness.

This 100%.

FWIW, we (despise Trump) will be at a family dinner with about 40 Trump voters. All BIPOC, if it matters.

We’ll have a great time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guests or hosts who raise deliberately provocative topics are being inhospitable. There's a reason Freemasons prohibit discussion in Lodge of politics or religion; those topics are very likely to result in interpersonal conflicts and tension, and a lack of harmony among attendees. And, human nature being what it is, nobody is likely to be persuaded to change their point of view just because they are challenged to by a rude host or guest.

It's an exercise in futility, and an example of ungraciousness.

This 100%.

FWIW, we (despise Trump) will be at a family dinner with about 40 Trump voters. All BIPOC, if it matters.

We’ll have a great time.

We will be with the sane side of the family this holiday. But on the other side, it’s not us who bring up the topics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My daughter likes to joke about Trump and even cracks jokes about Charlie Kirk, and my brother is most likely showing up in his Trump hat. I’m just trying to prevent any tension or arguments at the table.

If you’ve dealt with mixed political views in the family, how do you keep things respectful and drama-free during the holidays?

'The turkey (not taco) was right about everything' hats purchased and will be required for the annual turkey day photo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Guests or hosts who raise deliberately provocative topics are being inhospitable. There's a reason Freemasons prohibit discussion in Lodge of politics or religion; those topics are very likely to result in interpersonal conflicts and tension, and a lack of harmony among attendees. And, human nature being what it is, nobody is likely to be persuaded to change their point of view just because they are challenged to by a rude host or guest.

It's an exercise in futility, and an example of ungraciousness.

This 100%.

FWIW, we (despise Trump) will be at a family dinner with about 40 Trump voters. All BIPOC, if it matters.

We’ll have a great time.

We will be with the sane side of the family this holiday. But on the other side, it’s not us who bring up the topics.

Then you smile, say “c’mon”, and change the topic to (a) the time Aunt Denise lit the house on fire with cooking fried chicken, (b) Cousin Desmond’s new wife, or (c) football team x.

Or something like that. I’m surrounded by Trump voting in-laws and have literally never had the slightest problem at all. If they say something that offends me, I make myself scarce (time for more banana pudding!). Easiest thing in the world.

[Anonymous]

Politics not allowed. Last time my MAGA father-in-law made a snide remark, I packed up the family and we walked out the door and left.

He stopped doing it after that.

[Anonymous]

Thankfully it won’t be an issue for us. I 100% respect that people can have different opinions but I could not host a Trump suppporting family member right now given what he and his cult are doing to our country. I will support your right to vote for a racist, grifting fascist but I will not serve you dinner.

[Anonymous]

Man, that's really tough for folks where politics have overtaken being able to spend time together as families.

I think that at this point, ever some of my most strident Republican relatives have become frustrated with the whole MAGA movement.

It's kinda of the Clinton era don't ask don't tell. I'd rather be able to spend some time together as a family and leave all of the political BS aside for one night.

Good Luck!