As a Political Science major, I am no stranger to talking about politics, especially over the holidays. In fact, as college students, many of us return home and our family assumes that, regardless of major, we are all studying to be scientists of politics, and take that as an open invitation to talk politics whether we want to or not. So, even if you aren’t a Political Science major, you most likely still have these discussions because you’re likely a young college student. All the older generations know that you are a part of the population of people who may or may not be voting (Public Service Announcement: I hope everyone voted this midterm election). 

Either way, a conversation about politics is inevitable. With the holidays approaching, falling after Election Day, I find myself mentally preparing for political bombardment from the people whom I only see around this time of year. I’m also mentally preparing myself for my conservative parents. Now, there is nothing wrong with being a conservative, and I know this because two of the people I love most in the world are conservative. But just because I love them does not mean I want to engage with them about politics. 

I want to avoid conversations that turn into debates that turn into screaming matches. I just want to enjoy the few days I have with them, the few days I have away from school and the few days I have to not think about being a college student or to not think about anything at all. I just want to be around the people I love while stuffing my face with something that is not Chick-Fil-A. So now that we are approaching these precarious times, I have created a list of ways to get through the holidays with your own conservative/ liberal/ agnostic parents who wants to discuss politics with you. For heaven’s sake: We’re just hard-working college students who are looking to catch a break.

Option One: Fake your own death. This may be effective for a very short time, but the holidays will come and go, and your pretended death will make everyone happier when they realize that you’re alive. At the same time, there may be some legal consequences. Please do not use this option. 

Option Two: If you come from a big family like me, you most likely have a cousin or two that you actually enjoy. Find them and attach yourselves at the hip. Now when your conspiracy theorist uncle or your great aunt who is old as dust makes their way towards you, act like you are in the deepest of conversations with that favorite person. Maybe the intruder will go away. Maybe they will interrupt. But at least you’ll have a wingman. Try at your own risk. 

Option Three: Remember that you love these people. Before I see conservatives, I see my parents, the people who birthed me and without whom I would not exist. So, instead of getting worked up about politics and the crazy things family members might believe, maybe just focus on the fact that you love them and that you got to spend another year with the people you love. 

Disclaimer:  This only applies to political affiliations. It does not apply to racists or bigots or horrible people. 

At the end of the day, we will always have politics to divide us and we will always have relatives who are kind of crazy. But if we play our cards right, we will also always have turkey and stuffing and sweet potatoes, and that’s pretty great if you ask me. 

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