I am so excited to go home for Thanksgiving this week. While I have visited home a couple times throughout the semester, there are so many things I miss from home - my family, my bed, my shower, and especially my pets. Only one more sleep until I can hug my precious dog and cat again!
However, there is one thing I certainly do not miss: talking about politics.
My parents raised me to be politically active and involved. Instead of the Disney Channel, I watched the news. I had lots of questions, and my parents would do their best to answer them. Of course, I realize now that my parents' political bias have influenced my own views. Yet, as I am exposed to more views in college, I find myself challenged to examine both sides of the same issue and explore how my own opinion fits.
My high school English teacher often said, "There are two things we do not talk about at the dinner table - sex and politics". Since no one wants to hear about their relatives' sex lives, let's focus on the latter - politics.
While I appreciate that my parents (and grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles) are politically engaged citizens, discussing politics is never a fun topic. People disagree and get heated; at the end of the conversation, no one has changed their mind, but everyone feels angry.
So, why not do everyone in your family a favor this Thanksgiving and ban politics from the conversation?
When 2016 certainly has been an interesting year in the political sphere, I can guarantee there are better topics to discuss. How has school / work been? What are your passions? Have you learned a new skill? Read any new books? If you cannot think of anything other than politics to discuss, there are a million "get-to-know-each-other" question games online. You might learn something new about your relatives!
If conversation lags, play some games with the family! Dust off the checkers board or plug in the Wii. Play a round of football or hide-and-go-seek. Playing Just Dance with Grandma will be much more enjoyable than listening to Uncle Steve rant about the election.
Use the time with your family to make a difference. Volunteer with your family at a local charity! Collect canned goods or unworn clothing to donate! You will be enact positive change in the community while avoiding political discourse.
If all else fails, watch some good old-fashioned Charlie Brown! No one can be angry when Snoopy and Woodstock are onscreen. Not a fan? Several networks have their own Thanksgiving specials.
Thanksgiving is supposed to be a time where family comes together to reflect on what they are thankful for. Discussing politics only sours the joy that a wholesome meal together brings. Do yourself (and the whole family) a favor and ban the topic from Thanksgiving dinner. I promise that it is possible to survive an entire meal without mentioning Donald Trump. Besides, the sweet potato casserole is orange enough to serve as a substitute.
