Keep Thanksgiving Drama-Free: 4 Simple Tips
Let’s be honest—Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that should be all about the good stuff: food, family, and gratitude. (It’s my favorite holiday after all!) But let’s face it, sometimes the turkey isn’t the only thing roasting at the table. With the post-election buzz still lingering, those tense political debates can sneak in and threaten to derail the day.
Sound familiar? Here’s the good news: with a little preparation and a few simple strategies, you can create an environment that keeps the focus on connection and gratitude rather than division. Because let’s be real—no one wants the stuffing served with a side of arguments. Whether you’re hosting this year or just want to enjoy a more harmonious gathering, these tips can help ensure that everyone leaves with full hearts (and plates) instead of heated feelings.
Recently, I had the opportunity to share these tips on USA Today, where I discussed how to have a peaceful, non-political Thanksgiving in a post-election year. You can watch the full video here:
Here are four tips to help you host a peaceful, politics-free Thanksgiving:
1. Set the Tone Ahead of Time
Think of it like meal prep, but for your guests. Send a quick text to your family or friends before the gathering with something like:
“This year, let’s focus on what brings us together and leave the debates for another time!”
It’s a gentle nudge that can set expectations and ease everyone into a more relaxed vibe.
2. Plan Bonding Activities
Games, gratitude jars, or a group activity can do wonders to keep everyone engaged and connected. The goal? Shift the focus to something fun and collaborative that encourages laughter and conversation—not conflict.
3. Step Away When You Need To
If things get heated, don’t be afraid to take a breather. Excuse yourself to grab a glass of water, head outside for fresh air, or simply step away. Creating a little space can help you reset and avoid escalating the situation. And always remember, if it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive. If you can’t have a holiday with people who promote your peace because they’re too opinionated - give yourself permission to take a break from the traditions this year and stay at home (or plan your own friendsgiving instead.)
4. Have a Polite Redirect Ready
When political conversations start creeping in, a kind but firm response can work wonders. Try something like:
“I hear where you’re coming from, but today’s about celebrating together. Let’s keep the focus on that!”
It’s a simple way to pivot without adding fuel to the fire.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you host a peaceful Thanksgiving:
Pre-plan the tone: A pre-event message can help set expectations and ease tension.
Engage with activities: Keep guests entertained with games or gratitude-themed tasks.
Take some space: It’s okay to step away if you need space to reset.
Redirect the convo: Polite phrases can gently steer conversations back to positive topics.
At its core, Thanksgiving is about so much more than what’s on the table. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and connect with the people we care about most. And while the world might feel more divided than ever, we all have the power to create a space where uniting in gratitude takes center stage—even if it’s just for one day.
So, take a deep breath, grab that extra slice of pie, and focus on what truly matters. Because when the dishes are cleared and the leftovers packed away, what we’ll all remember most are the shared laughs, meaningful conversations, and those little moments of joy that make the holiday special. You’ve got this—and your guests will thank you for it.
Wishing you a peaceful, gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!