The rush is on to make sure families are ready for a happy Thanksgiving together. However, in an already polarizing election year, having all your relatives over could bring the happy times to a dead stop.
- Election 2016 could worm its way into the Thanksgiving feast
- Therapist suggests having a code word so you can step away
- Also, don't be afraid to leave if conversations get too heated
Therapist Michael Gialanella of the North Carolina Family Therapy Center says the holidays can be a source of anxiety and emotional stress.
"People seem to have that uncle who's pretty out there and says some outrageous things," said Gialanella.
The stress could manifest during any year, but it may be amplified this year due to a very divided election season.
"Where things are right now and how polarizing politics are, a lot of times you're going to go home and you already know where people will stand on particular issues," said Gialanella.
What's the best way to keep politics away from the turkey and dressing?
It’s easy. Just take a time out.
"Is there a plan to kind of step away from that?” said Gialanella. "Can we step away in the other room and come up with a code word of some sort? An 'I need help in the kitchen' sort of thing."
However, not all bridges can be rebuilt. Gialanella says there's no shame in abandoning a hostile situation, even if it is family.
"In other instances, we do have to leave the ship at the bottom of the ocean,” said Gialanella. “We know where it is, you've got 30 minutes in your air tank, you know that's as long as you can be down there, and then you have to get out of there."
If you can't avoid that political conversation, at least come armed with the facts. Our partners at Politifact offer a "Guide to Navigating Politics on Thanksgiving," which includes links to tops including rigged elections, fake news and President-elect Trump's first 100 days.