Democracy begins at the Holiday table.

Happy Easter & Passover! Considering Holiday Dinners, Trump, Clinton and Diplomacy at the table

Stop fighting and read these tips

Diane Lilli
Posted

Happy Easter - Happy Passover.

For many families, holiday dinners have become fraught with emotional land mines. Your favorite aunt voted for Hilary Clinton and can't stop talking about how today's voters who supported Trump are "deplorable". Your mom loves Trump, and has handy facts ready to share, loudly, about the impact his new tax laws have helped the family.

Instead of bickering or outright feuding with the very people you love, it may be time to put down the ax you grind and consider a way to turn around the misery at the holiday table.

Here are some tips.

1. Agree to disagree. Instead of fighting, don't take the bait when someone starts to brag about their choice of political leader. Take a breath - maybe a few deep breaths - and say "I don't agree with you but I am so happy we live here, in America, where all of our views are legal, and where we can all agree to disagree. Can you pass the pesto?"

2. Lay down some ground rules. Why not sit down to eat and before anyone says a word, clink your glass and say: I have an announcement to make. I love you. And I want to make a toast. You are my family, my friends, (etc.). I just want to say that even though we don't always agree on our politics, there is one thing that we know we all support: our love. Let's agree to disagree - and if you want to talk about politics, let's do it in a fun way, and not argue. Life's too short. Time is passing by - fast. Everyone here has the right to an opinion about everything and anything except one thing: we are here because we love one another, so let's enjoy this holiday. You never know if we will have another. Salute!

3. Know when to give up. If you happen to have stubborn, mean-spirited people at your table who scoff at your peace making, and insist on fighting and screaming, there is a deal breaker: Disengage. Don't argue. And next holiday, send your regrets.

Democracy starts at the holiday table. If we can't find a way to disagree peacefully with those we love, then it's time to fear for our country, our freedom and our future.