The only way to survive the dreaded politics conversation at Thanksgiving is to avoid the topic at all costs. Thanksgiving is a time meant for happiness and no arguments. Obviously, that is an optimistic attitude, because it is impossible to go 6+ hours without at least 2 fights breaking out. However, this year, politics should not be one of those fights. Tensions are especially high this year considering the wounds from the election are still fresh and have yet to heal. There is no reason to add more salt to the wound while also arguing with your family.

When I think of Thanksgiving I like to remember it as the the 3 F's- food, family and football. There is no reason to make it the the 4 F's and add fighting to the mix. Thanksgiving is supposed to be joyous and a time to reflect about all the good things in your life. If you bring up politics, there is a 100% chance someone will wind up in tears or the mashed potatoes that took hours to prepare will end up thrown on the wall. Part of family is the idea that it is okay to disagree. However, at least for my family, politics is not a minor disagreement. If anyone mentions the election, I am positive that someone will leave Thanksgiving upset. And there is no need for that. There are a million topics that can be discussed that will not cause drama. Sports. Work. Food. I think it is safer to discuss those topics than even mention the words "Donald Trump."

My favorite part of Thanksgiving weekend is waking up on Friday, thinking about the great night I just had. I like my stomach to still be full the morning after. I enjoy thinking about the precious time I had with my family, all huddled around the T.V., praying that the Dallas Cowboys lose. When I wake up on Friday, I do not want to have to think about the horrible argument that broke out and caused awkward goodbyes. Therefore, the only way to survive talking politics with relatives, is to not talk politics at all. Simple as that.