Thanksgiving with The Menagerie
Hello My Friend.
The following letter is, in part, a repeat of last Thanksgiving. Why? Well, first off, the dogs are adorable. And second, along with the joy I hope you experience, Holiday stress is likely to be at an all-time high following the outcome of the US Presidential election.
Holidays.
Some of us love them.
Some of us, not so much.
Many of us look forward to them each year in the hope that things will go smoothly.
That there will be love and respect.
That no one will be angry, rude, or disconnected. And that the turkey won’t be dry!
But as we approach this year’s Holiday season, many folks are increasingly politically polarized, and the levels of anxiety for folks who fear for themselves and their neighbors under the upcoming administration have skyrocketed.
So, what to do if Uncle Fester throws political bait into the mashed potatoes to see who’ll bite?
You can avoid being the target of any family member’s or guest’s manipulation by following a few easy steps:
Set a time frame: For example, “We’ll have dinner at 4pm and close up by 8pm, so our family can get a good night’s rest, or because we have an early morning on Friday.” Setting no time boundaries for your gathering opens it to those who may linger late into the evening and try to gain more attention.
Together, agree to leave politics and religion at the door: A concrete support for this is a “safe subjects list” you can agree upon together and make copies of for the table. For instance, you might limit your list to favorite hobbies, travel, cooking ideas, pet stories, personal skills, bucket list items, etc. - whatever you all feel positive about. And the list can be updated as new ideas surface.
If you’re asked for your opinion on something you know is a trap to bring you into an argument, try: “Hmmm. I need to think about that question. Can I get back to you later?” This leaves an antagonist nowhere to go with their argument. And it buys you time to “forget” about it. (And you might then ask a question about a safe subject, giving that person a chance to talk about themself).
Consider serving non-alcoholic drink options: OR limiting your gathering to alcohol-free libations only. If you know some guests are likely to struggle to maintain their manners if they indulge, you can avoid that by clarifying that yours will be an alcohol-free Holiday home. It’s your right.
Last Thanksgiving, Hubby and I had three canine guests who reminded me that personalities come in all shapes, sizes, and species.
Despite their differences, the pooches were united in their distaste for the garbage truck.
On the right: The Dainty Diva. “Eeek! That’s so loud. I don’t like noisy surprises.”
Center: The Snarkasaurus. “Who’s making all that racket? Get out of my space.”
On the left: The Comic Relief. “Wait. What? Is Santa early? I asked for a new Squeaky!
Do these adorable pups remind you of family or friends with whom you’ll spend the Holiday?
I know you can help each of them feel welcome, supported, and safe, knowing there are boundaries and limitations that respect everyone’s comfort!
Let me know how your Holidays unfold. I’d love to hear how you made the experience happier and more comfortable for yourself and others!
You’ve GOT this!
Struggling with anxiety? Connect with me to receive tools and support from someone who gets it!
Want regular tips, tools and resources right to your inbox? Join my newsletter here: