The holidays are a time for food, love, family, and for some asinine reason, politics. This is especially true due to 2016 being an election year, and a very divisive election on top of that. But don’t fret, you can get through grandma spitting racist remarks or your in-laws suddenly mentioning the name “Sanders.” You just need to follow these five steps, and maybe get a little buzzed.
1. Don’t be the one to bring up the politics. This is especially true if you are the most liberal person in the home, and everyone else is conservative. Talk about school, work, whatever you want, but don’t bring up anything about politics. If you have a job that involves politics be vague and just say work is good and busy. Don’t bring it up, and hopefully no one else will either.
2. Don’t be on the defense when someone else brings up politics. Remember that these are people who you love and are part of your life forever. Sure, you may be right about those tax returns on that one politician, but is being right worth your loved one’s fighting with you? Unless someone says something blatantly wrong (IE all Muslims are terrorists or some BS like that) just compliment the mash and bring up what everyone wants as gifts.
3. Don’t be afraid to disagree though. If someone says something racist or homophobic say “I disagree and think that was a very ill-mannered thing to say.” If you claim to be a feminist, supporter of LGBT rights, or a hater of racism you must live that through and through. You don’t have to be overly dramatic, but you must stand up and let your line of what is appropriate known.
4. Don’t get drunk, but don’t stay completely sober. If you get drunk you might argue, but if you are completely sober you have to deal with people and their opinions. Make sure you aren’t sloppy, but are still happy.
5. Sit at the kids table because kids don’t talk about politics. Avoid everything altogether and just sit with the baby cousins and play with some playdough.
No matter what, may your holidays be drama free and may your wine be good!