The Politics of Family Politics

This is a tough article to write, as the stress and division the recent political months have created is quite real. However, the holiday season offers a chance to heal, reconnect, and focus on what truly matters: love, support, and togetherness.

A place to start is to lead with your commitment. It is disarming and (hopefully) an unassailable truth to state right up front your commitment to having a happy holiday season together, and that you’re more interested in creating connection that creating a deeper divide. 

So you could agree together to keep conversations to conversation topics that connect rather than divide. Stick to talking about shared values and cherished memories versus issues you know will inflame.

Once you agree on your mutual commitment, it can reset your mindset around those more positive conversations.  

If you’re not sure what to talk about, return to those areas of overlapping interest as a guide. For example, if you know that you and your sister (for example) both enjoy food, talk about the meals you’re making or even cook together. If your parents or kids have travelled, ask them to relate how that went, what they enjoyed, etc. 

Make it a mission this holiday season for you and your family to survive the holiday season with far more connection than confrontation.