How To Get Through Thanksgiving

Well, we’re starting the holiday frenzies and while I”m not triggered because this year will be easy (I hope) at my brother’s house, I have friends who are in a tizzy just anticipating the havoc that can occur during the holidays when everyone gets together. Because tempers are running high. People are really messy lately. Have you noticed?

Here were some topics they were dreading:

If it’s not a political rant, it’s about the vaccine. Or stories about a friend of a friend’s great Uncle Leo who had X (death, ventilator, catastrophe) because of having the vaccine or not, someone coughing on him and not following the rules, or his lack of belief in mask wearing…or…or…or…(You get the gist, don’t you?)

Then there’s food prices. Conspiracy theories. The Great Resignation. School children’s lives interrupted with mask wearing. What a freezing snowy winter they’re predicting. The Virus and its newest update. Gossip about whatever’s trending. China. Travel mandates. Political figures. Food shortages. Toilet paper (need I remind you?). Boosters. Gas prices. Why aren’t you dating? Bragging over X (fill in the blank). Losing friendships over silly quarrels. Indignations at X (you fill in the blank). Delayed mail delivery. Etc. Etc. Etc.

I’m sure you could add to the list. I suggested that maybe we could make a drinking game out of it. Like every time someone mentions any of the above, we drink?! Just a warning, make sure you have an Uber ready because you’re not going to be ready to drive after that! Heck, you might even pass out on the couch or right there at the table! Wouldn’t that be great fodder for the December gathering!?

This was a tongue in cheek post by the way. I know some families enjoy trending topics at the table. But it seems there’s always that one that pontificates and won’t back down if confronted which usually leads to a family struggle. It’s the commonality in many the holiday comedies. How uncomfortable can you make everyone at the party and how quickly can you estrange yourself?

My plan is to sip wine and smile. Let the whole world twist and turn around me while I sit in my happy place. Instead of anger, I’ll chuckle. Instead of taking offense, I’ll smile.

How about you? What’s your plan?