As the holiday season approaches, some liberal media outlets have offered advice on how to navigate conversations with Trump-supporting relatives. Some extreme suggestions included canceling Christmas altogether and avoiding family members who voted for Trump. A HuffPost contributor shared her decision to cancel both Thanksgiving and Christmas due to her husband and his family’s support for the former president. Others, like “The View” co-host, Sunny Hostin, agreed with the advice to cut off pro-Trump family members during the holidays. Yale University chief psychiatry resident, Dr. Amanda Calhoun, also spoke about separating from loved ones who voted against your livelihood.
Time magazine provided therapy techniques to divert political conversations during holiday gatherings. Their list of 11 phrases aimed to defuse family tension and create a safe space by setting boundaries with relatives with differing views. If needed, a simple declaration like “I won’t be talking about politics today” is suggested to keep the focus on festivities. The Associated Press recommended taking a break and excusing oneself from intense or political discussions at family gatherings. A calm and collected exit to the kitchen or porch can provide a moment of reprieve from heated debates.
Amira Barger, in an MSNBC op-ed, challenged the idea that all family gatherings should be considered sacred, especially if they involve differing beliefs. The author shared her decision to establish boundaries with immediate family members who held opposing values and voted differently. Barger emphasized the importance of clarity and difficult choices when it comes to family relationships. Ultimately, she suggests that banning toxic family members or “bad actors” who cause harm or discomfort may be necessary for one’s well-being. These decisions are not made lightly but are driven by the need to protect oneself from toxic or harmful situations.
Overall, the advice given by liberal media outlets for surviving holiday conversations with Trump-supporting relatives ranged from extreme measures like canceling Christmas to setting boundaries and taking breaks during gatherings. Each recommendation aimed to help individuals cope with potentially divisive political discussions and maintain a sense of well-being during the holiday season. Whether through therapy techniques, firm declarations, or establishing boundaries, the goal was to navigate family gatherings successfully and prioritize one’s emotional and mental health.
