News
November 25, 2025
POINT: Thankful for keeping politics to yourself
There is a familiar saying that you can choose your friends, but not your family. For most of the year, that fact can feel like a blessing and a curse. During the holidays, when we squeeze around crowded tables, eat...
**Thankful for keeping politics to yourself**
The age-old adage rings true: you can pick your friends, but family? That's a package deal. Usually, this reality presents a mixed bag of blessings and, let's be honest, occasional annoyances. But during the holidays, when family gatherings reach peak capacity and tensions can run high, the dynamic takes on a whole new dimension. This year, more than ever, I find myself overwhelmingly grateful for family members who consciously chose to keep political discussions off the table.
The holiday season, already a pressure cooker of expectations and emotions, has become increasingly volatile in recent years. The ever-present hum of social media and 24-hour news cycles has amplified political polarization, making even casual conversations potential minefields. What used to be lighthearted banter can quickly devolve into heated debates, leaving a bitter taste in everyone's mouth alongside the sweet potato casserole.
It's not that political discourse is inherently bad. In fact, thoughtful and respectful dialogue is crucial for a healthy democracy. However, the holiday table, laden with food and familial history, rarely provides the optimal environment for such nuanced conversations. The combination of differing opinions, deeply ingrained beliefs, and the pressure to maintain a facade of harmony can easily transform a joyful gathering into a stressful battleground.
Therefore, I extend my sincere gratitude to those relatives who understood the assignment. The ones who recognized that the holidays are about connection, not conversion. The ones who prioritized shared laughter and cherished memories over proving a point. Their conscious decision to steer clear of contentious topics allowed us to focus on what truly matters: appreciating each other's company and celebrating the bonds that tie us together. It was a gift, a silent act of love that preserved the peace and allowed everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit without the looming threat of political warfare. Their restraint created a space where we could simply be family, united by shared history and affection, rather than divided by ideological differences. And for that, I am truly thankful.
The age-old adage rings true: you can pick your friends, but family? That's a package deal. Usually, this reality presents a mixed bag of blessings and, let's be honest, occasional annoyances. But during the holidays, when family gatherings reach peak capacity and tensions can run high, the dynamic takes on a whole new dimension. This year, more than ever, I find myself overwhelmingly grateful for family members who consciously chose to keep political discussions off the table.
The holiday season, already a pressure cooker of expectations and emotions, has become increasingly volatile in recent years. The ever-present hum of social media and 24-hour news cycles has amplified political polarization, making even casual conversations potential minefields. What used to be lighthearted banter can quickly devolve into heated debates, leaving a bitter taste in everyone's mouth alongside the sweet potato casserole.
It's not that political discourse is inherently bad. In fact, thoughtful and respectful dialogue is crucial for a healthy democracy. However, the holiday table, laden with food and familial history, rarely provides the optimal environment for such nuanced conversations. The combination of differing opinions, deeply ingrained beliefs, and the pressure to maintain a facade of harmony can easily transform a joyful gathering into a stressful battleground.
Therefore, I extend my sincere gratitude to those relatives who understood the assignment. The ones who recognized that the holidays are about connection, not conversion. The ones who prioritized shared laughter and cherished memories over proving a point. Their conscious decision to steer clear of contentious topics allowed us to focus on what truly matters: appreciating each other's company and celebrating the bonds that tie us together. It was a gift, a silent act of love that preserved the peace and allowed everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit without the looming threat of political warfare. Their restraint created a space where we could simply be family, united by shared history and affection, rather than divided by ideological differences. And for that, I am truly thankful.
Category:
Politics