Tell people before they get to your house no political discussions for the good of the family. The end.Some relatives (both sides of the family tree) have political views that are quite different from DH and mine. This year could get dicey. Indigestion is almost guaranteed.
Any tried and true methods to keep conversations civil?
You could always try this.Some relatives (both sides of the family tree) have political views that are quite different from DH and mine. This year could get dicey. Indigestion is almost guaranteed.
Any tried and true methods to keep conversations civil?
No, you have to out-crazy them! "Oh yeah, well did you know that birds aren't real?! The US government is the #1 producer of artificial poultry. Think about it - have you ever seen a baby pigeon?!" Then they'll give you a wide berth for the rest of the holidayIf what they are saying is most likely a conspiracy theory type discussion sometimes just agreeing to accept the usually doom and gloom fate of whatever they are talking about works. My husband did this one time to my parents when talking about the pandemic and said well I guess I'm going to live with whatever bizarre thing they came up with and it shut the conversation down.
Second best team in the NFC East. They might win one playoff game.How bout dem Cowboys?
Seriously, there's a lot in life to talk about with family you see infrequently. Work, kids, hobbies, health, vacations, fun activities, the food and recipes, etc, etc, etc. So, I wouldn't stress it. My family has politics around the spectrum - we've never had an issue all coming together to chat - it takes us 2 hours each month just to catch up on each other's family news on Zoom and it's still not enough...
So, ask how someone is - easiest way to change a subject...
This is what my family did too. We stopped inviting the pot stirrers to holidays and although our gathering is small (4 people total), it's way more peaceful than it was in the past. I don't even miss their presence that much if I'm being completely honest.The best thing I ever did for myself was to stop inviting crap stirrers into my home to ruin my holidays. No matter how many “rules” you make you’re going to have someone who will attend for the sole purpose of riling everyone up. I’m lucky to have learned that lesson fairly early and have the best holidays with just my own crew. I know not everyone feels like they have that option but it’s what works for us.
My stepmother somehow got sucked into the conspiracy “everyone is out to get ya, the world is on fire train” and she’s so deep there’s no hope for her ever coming back. There is zero point in even trying to have a conversation with her so I don’t. When it started I would put the brakes on by saying, “I’m not having this discussion with you.” If she tried again I would repeat myself and add “this isn’t up for negotiation.” The trick is not to even entertain it. I shut her down immediately any time she tries. Probably not a tactic that will work with crazy Uncle Bob who’s been doing for decades but it’s worth a shot.
Oh, come on! Is it really Thanksgiving without political and/or religious arguments? Can you truly call a Thanksgiving dinner successful unless there's yelling and crying?
Instigate things! Stoke the fires! Poke the bear!