Holidays are Here and They Come with a Giant Elephant
The holidays are here, but this time they are coming with a giant elephant. Like there wasn’t already enough stress. Do you have room in your house for a big fat elephant? I bring this uncomfortable topic up, not to stir the pot, but to offer a new perspective. I get there are many people angry over the election. I wasn’t happy, but I have family and friends that are happy. And I truly love my family and friends.
We all have opinions and we all come to those conclusions one way or another. Each person believes they are doing the right thing. The news wants you to engage you by creating fear. They do this so you’ll spend money on whatever can save you from all this negativity; such as pills for your new founded stress-related illnesses.
Politics have always been ugly. If you’re like me, you might not have ever really paid attention until the last 8 years. In my defense, we didn’t have access to this information like we do now. Thank you, internet. Those days are gone and now we have to figure out to coexist with opposing views.
Remember Why You Love Your Family or Friends
One of the ways you can handle this giant elephant, is to keep your mouth shut. I’m kidding, of course, but it might not be such a bad idea to check your politics at the door. And let everyone know ahead of time.
Another way is to remind yourself of all the good that your friend or family member has done for you. Try to focus on their loving side. I know there are many that can’t be friends with someone that voted diffently, and that is truly your prerogative. Most likely I’m not talking to those people because they aren’t going to be around for the holidays. But I am talking to those that don’t want to end relationships because they see, in these particular relationships, there’s more good than bad.
Think of a gratitude journal, you write down everything that you are grateful for that day or however you do it. In this case, you’re thinking or even writing down all the good that this relationship has provided. Like I’ve blogged before, what you focus on, is what you get. When you look for the good in anything or anyone, you’ll notice more. Plus, that elephant will shrink or may disappear altogether.
Politics Are Forever Changing
Remember when it comes to politics, presidents come and go. (Side note, it’s funny that an elephant is the symbol for the Republican party.) As long as Project 2025 doesn’t go through with its entire agenda, that will remain the case. https://static.project2025.org/2025_MandateForLeadership_FULL.pdf
Will you let one person that is in office for 4 or 8 years, that you don’t know personally, affect your personal relationships that you’ve had most of your life? The answer depends on you.
Like everything in life, change is evitable. That includes some relationships. If you really have to end a relationship over politics, or as many say it’s about personal values, then maybe it’s time to say bye-bye. Maybe the relationship played itself out, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Who knows? Something may draw you back to one another in the future. Either way, it is what it is.
After all, people come and go a different times of our lives. I have friends that I haven’t seen for years, and pick up right where we left off as if no time has passed. Then there are those relationships that have ended. It doesn’t mean it was bad. It means that it was there at the time it was needed at that moment in time.
You Need Space, Where There Are Elephants
Let’s get real. Elephants are huge and take up a lot of space. So if that elephant can’t be addressed on account the wound is still fresh, then maybe sit this holiday out. There’s nothing wrong in giving space to those that need it, even if it’s for yourself. Holidays are meant to bring people together. After all, this holiday is Thanksgiving. A time of giving thanks and gratitude for the people and circumstances in our lives.
If that elephant only arrived the other day, then you need to figure out if there’s enough room or is it going to cause chaos. I personally like to get things out in the open to hit it head on, but not everyone is like me. Sometimes I’m a doer before a thinker. Both ways need to be respected by the mutual parties, if there is going to be a discussion. Basically, read the room or situation.
List of Ways to Address the Elephant
- Don’t ignor the elephant, because it can feel like walking on eggshell. Hit it head on with a suggestion to focus on other things rather than politics. Leave it for the news and media, not the table.
- Create a safe space for those that want to dive in to the dark topic of politics away from the main group.
- Defuse the situation, not instigate it. Try to acknowledge the other point of view by saying something like, “That’s interesting, now let’s get some drinks.”
- Empathy is always a good trait in these situations. See if you can understand why they feel the way they do by asking open-ended questions.
- Humor always lightens the mood, especially when the atmosphere is heavy.
- If the air is too heavy, excuse yourself and take a breather.
- Remeber why you’re together. You most likely have way more history with fond memories, than the topic of negative current events.
Final Thought
Addressing the elephant in the room doesn’t have to turn into a three-ringed circus. By approaching political conversations with empathy, humor, and boundaries, or knowing when to stay home if it’s too much, we can navigate these moments gracefully and preserve the holiday spirit.
After all, the holidays are about love, connection, and gratitude—not winning an argument. Keep that perspective at the forefront, and you’ll be better equipped to enjoy your time with loved ones.
Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
Gratitude
I am truly grateful for all of you that have joined this journey in wellness with me. Anytime is a good time to focus on your wellbeing, but I think now needs it more than ever. It’s funny because in stressful times like these, I tend to thrive. I thinks it’s because I focus on the things I can control rather than on the world’s problems.
It all starts within ourselves first. When we are in a happy and peaceful state, it’s most likely because we’ve worked on ourselves. Whether it’s our physical health or financial health, it comes from our thoughts of what we believe is possible and what we believe we deserve.
Someone with a healthy mindset doesn’t spread hate. So when someone tries to come at you with some sort of sarcasm or negativity, it’s really a reflection of their lack of a healthy mindset. Would you attack an unhealthy person? You don’t need to take the negative behavior; rather, understand where it’s coming from, a place of pain.
If you know someone that you think will benefit from this blog, please share it. And don’t forget the holidays are here and we have great products like our manifesting bundles that would make an excellent gifts. The new year is coming and our manifesting journal can get yur new year off to a great start. https://wellnessgardentoolshed.com/shop/
Have a Peaceful and Happy Thanksgiving! ~ Cheers.
