Visions of Holiday Harmony: Tips to Keep Politics Out of Family Gatherings
Holiday gatherings are often filled with expectations of cozy gatherings, shared meals, and family time. However, with this year’s highly polarizing political climate, the experience may be more treacherous than ever. Instead of navigating disagreements and tense conversations, etiquette expert Pamela Eyring suggests taking control of the situation before it starts.
According to Eyring, if you’re concerned about avoiding political discussions, you should set the tone ahead of time by saying, “We’re going to celebrate the holiday, or we’re going to steer away from politics. It’s going to happen whether you like it or not.” Staying calm and redirecting the conversation with gentle authority is key. This can be done by gently redirecting the topic and affiming that the conversation is being tabled and pivoting to another family member who recently had something interesting happen in their life.
Inclusive activities such as setting the table, watching a football game, or bringing out a board game can also help to bring people together and diffuse tension. Even seating arrangements can make a difference. By splitting up guests with opposing views, smaller, more positive conversations can naturally arise within these groups.
But what happens when guests can’t be deterred and continue to push political discussions? Eyring suggests steering the conversation with patience and empathy, focusing on common values and humanity, and seeking to understand where the other person is coming from.
Ultimately, creating a peaceful holiday gathering comes down to preparation, thoughtful redirection, and finding ways to bring people together despite their differences.
