Thanksgiving and Political Discussion

[Keli]

I'm a little worried so I'm going to give hubby a pep talk of how family harmony is way more important than political talk. Because as much as hubby enjoys a good political debate he loves family more and wouldn't hurt any of them for the world.
Plus this year is the first holiday for our family without my nephew who passed in June from cancer. i think everyone will be more sensitive to other's feelings. I hope so at least because we're a family with registered republicans, democrats, and independants. But all are very patriotic and passionate about America so there is some common ground.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Our entire family voted the same way.

Conversation will be pretty much normal.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I was until I found out there would only be 8 of us (including myself and my husband) rather than the 15-20 there usually is. The ones missing it this year (due to going to a different family due to illness in that family) are the ones who would be the most vocal at Thanksgiving.

I don't think my husband's family (just on his mom's side since his dad goes out of town) will talk much about it. And this isn't to be political but that's probably because the in-laws are ok with who won. Now had the outcome not been the same then yes it would be a lot of mother-in-law droning on while we wished it was just actually Facebook and we could unfollow her so we don't have to listen to it.

I should clarify we go to two families for Thanksgiving-my mom's and my mother-in-law's/step-father-in-law's.

 

[pryncess527]

I'm a little worried so I'm going to give hubby a pep talk of how family harmony is way more important than political talk. Because as much as hubby enjoys a good political debate he loves family more and wouldn't hurt any of them for the world. .

This. My expectation is that everyone cares enough about everyone else at the table to avoid snide comments or digs in either direction and focus on family, not politics. I don't think that's too much to ask.

 

[PigletsPal2]

It won't be an issue with our Thanksgiving Day guests, but when my sister and her politically "outspoken" spouse visited the week after the election, before they even got settled in, I declared it a "politics-free" weekend. We didn't even turn on the television while they were here.

Queen Colleen

 

[mi*vida*loca]

We all voted the same way so that's not an issue.

My family has different religions and some who don't practice any religion. This is when it gets weird since some people feel the need to always throw in how you should join their church or religion.

 

[Dizneefamily+4]

Thankfully, everyone at the family Thanksgiving table voted the same way. Now if it was extended family, that would have been a different story. I'm a political science major and actually welcome the debate, so to me it would've been fun! I'm always up for a good political debate - especially with people who get their "facts" from internet memes.

 

[Wendy31]

Has anyone seen the new Holderness Family video for Thanksgiving - "Welcome to my Couch" which has helpful "tips" on how to handle all the political arguments on Thanksgiving?

it's hilarious! I'm not going to link it because, in the video, the candidates' names are mentioned & two people in the video are dressed according to how they voted - and I don't know how "political" we can get here, even if it's in jest.

However, for anyone interested, it's "The Holderness Family Welcome to my Couch" on Youtube.

 

[superme80]

Not this year. Due to circumstances, we are staying home. Normally my husband gets into a LONG debate with my MIL's best friend over politics. This time we won't see her. But there is always Christmas! LOL

 

[pryncess527]

Thankfully, everyone at the family Thanksgiving table voted the same way. Now if it was extended family, that would have been a different story. I'm a political science major and actually welcome the debate, so to me it would've been fun! I'm always up for a good political debate - especially with people who get their "facts" from internet memes.

I'm usually with you, but I think the operative word here is "good." Sadly, I find fewer and fewer people I can have a good quality debate with these days. And my head hurts from banging against a wall too long, I need a break this holiday.

 

[PrincessJo]

DS is working all day and DH and I are going to eat at Luby's alone. We told our families we are taking this year off. For the first time in a long time I'm not dreading the holiday

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

My relatives know if they bring up politics they're subject to getting a pie in the face (figuratively speaking) So no problem here.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Wouldn't only one side have 'grievances'.

Ha!!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

I used to love watching my grandfathers argue politics. One D, one R, one cynic, one optimist, one immigrant, one 4th Gen, one urban, one rural. Good times

Side note, I really don't know how most of my relatives voted, save for a handful who've been vocal on Facebook. Very few of us are loyal to either main party, so you never know. I don't even know how my wife voted, to be honest with you.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I think most of the people there were on the same side, but I'm not sure. I'm hoping it doesn't come up at all!

 

[aristocatz]

Someone on my Facebook posted this tonight
"Please stop in for a drink on Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for this year including friends and family. If you are able, please bring a non-perishable food item or toiletry. In the spirit of this season, I'm offering a challenge - anyone that says the names (insert names of political figures of your choice) will be asked to donate a dollar. All proceeds will be given to the Providence Ministries."

 

[Marchand63]

Not worried. I am working 6am to 1030pm. So no worries.

 

[Pixiedustaway]

Oye! No idea but will not start the discussion seems to be the best advice I have if anyone starts i will walk away...

 

[Pixiedustaway]

Ask everyone to postpone the "airing of grievances" until the proper time, Festivus!

I got a lot of problems with you people!

 

[xjillianpaige]

My dad made a sign that tells our family that if they want to talk politics, they need to do it on a walk with the dog around the block.

I plan on finding the loophole to educate my family on social justice, and, more appropriately, social injustices that we are witness to today.