It is no secret that since the presidential election, there has been extreme tension between family members, and some have even chosen to not celebrate the holidays together. This is due to the difference of opinions when it comes to politics, and political views in general. My family definitely did not take that extreme route of avoiding each other for the holidays, even though we are divided on the subject of politics. About 90% of my family are Trump supporters, and the other 10% are for Clinton. The thought of a political debate showdown, was so not ok for Thanksgiving, the day that we are supposed to give thanks for all that life has blessed us with, and for the things and people we take for granted. Thanksgiving is a non religious holiday, a holiday that basically everyone in the world celebrates in their own unique and cultural way. It is a day we give thanks, and appreciate all that life has to offer, it should not be a day spent in misery and despair. “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”- John F. Kennedy

“Buttercup” that was the magic word, or as I would refer to it as our safe word for the day. Anytime the mention of politics, or the potential for the subject to arise, the word “buttercup” would start ringing in our ears, to silence the words that we had begun to form, but abruptly stopped. “Buttercup” is most definitely a very interesting safe word to have, it became our safe word the minute someone mentioned the words presidential election, and the word “buttercup” came roaring out of one my family member’s lips. At least we had a safe word created, or else things could have gotten ugly, and sometimes somethings that are said can never be taken back, even if it is family. As they say, family is always there for you, or at least most of them try to be, but usually things can be more forgiven by family members than by a friend. But when it comes to politics, that is so not the case.

People say that we are a divided nation, which is very true, but could it also be true that we have divided families as well. Could it be that our own beliefs, opinions, and thoughts could change dynamics and the way we feel about the ones closet to us, to the point where a simple and easy conversation becomes complicated and unnerving. Why try to start a fight? Instead, end a war, and create a revolution of love, not hate.