Shut Up and Be Thankful

So. Nice timing on the whole Thanksgiving thing this year, huh? I wonder what people will be talking about around the table? Racial unrest... politics... the role of the police... Congress... the President...?

May I make a suggestion?

Shut the fuck up about all of it. Just for one day - Shut. The. Fuck. Up.

I've seen countless articles, Tweets and Facebook posts from liberals and conservatives, Christians and atheists, whites and blacks, frick and frack all bitching about having to 'deal with' the members of their families whose views and beliefs they disagree with. There are even articles providing cheat sheets of facts and figures to spout at your conservative/liberal uncle so you'll win the argument that'll inevitably break out because neither of you are willing to shut the fuck up for one goddamn day.

(Disclaimer: This is directed at people who come from families ranging from 'Great' to 'Difficult' on the Family-O-Meter. The kinds of families who either ignore, discuss or argue about their differing opinions. If you come from a family that gets stabby over differing opinions then this does not apply, and don't let Uncle Jim get behind you.)

Why should you shut the fuck up? Why should you let your loudmouthed relative spout what you consider to be ignorant nonsense? Why should you let them win?

Because if you're lucky enough to still be able to gather as a family you shouldn't treat your time together as some petty competition. These days are rare and precious, and approaching them like some chore that needs to be endured cheats you out of the moments and experiences that should be most important to you as a human being.

I'm of an age where I've lost members of my family dear to my heart. I'd give damn near anything to once again see my grandmother in her apron basting the turkey, or hear my mother's laugh, or be enveloped in one of my father's bear hugs. And if I was magically granted my wish, and we were all gathered together one more time, do you think I'd piss it away arguing about current events?

No. I'd cherish every second. I'd help my grandmother in the kitchen. I'd try and make my mother laugh. And I'd hug my father and never let go.

If you're lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with your family, don't approach it like a chore - and certainly don't approach it like some debate to be won. Save being an opinionated twat for the Internet, where it belongs. Do everything within your power to make it a great day filled with great memories of the people you love.

Because one day that's all you're gonna have.

#thanksgiving #family #america