PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The contentious election season may have ended, but the bitter taste of conflict still lingers for many Americans. For some, mixed company at the Thanksgiving table is a tough nut to crack. Others prefer to avoid boiling over at large gatherings. Many say the safest bet is just to leave politics off the table.
"Its going to be all kinds of crazy because some is Democrat, some is Republican," says Tugga from Mantua.
To avoid getting burned at dinner, she says, there are three things you should not talk about: politics, religion and gender.
“That's the three things — because that's going to start a big fight no matter what. So that's just it: Don't talk about it. Just pass the potatoes, and be kind and be nice,” she says.
“And hide the liquor,” she adds.
“You have to, right? You know what I'm saying. We have the famous uncle.”
Everyone knows that uncle.
“He’s going to talk his sugar anyway.”
So, how do you curb something like that? You want to have a peaceful meal with your loved ones, and somebody mouths off. What do you do?
“Usually that's the uncle,” Tugga said. But she has a winning strategy.
“Go. Out. On. The. Porch,” she says. “Go on the porch. Go on the porch.”
A time-out for adults.
“Yes! It's going to always be an adult.”
Eddie from Center City says the political climate this year made him change his plans altogether: “No family this year. No, I can't do it. Can't do it this year.”
He has reservations about breaking bread with opinionated family members. So Eddie made reservations at a restaurant for his Thanksgiving Day meal — far, far away, and safe.
“I’m sorry, it’s just not going to work out for 2024. I just don't eat with stupid people,” he said. “Nope.”