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Will this be the most awkward Thanksgiving ever?

  • Published
    22 November 2016
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A Clinton badge and a Trump badge tucked into a turkey
ByBBC Trending
What's popular and why

On Thursday, Americans across the US will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. But with the current political landscape, it looks like this year could see a decidedly frosty feast for some families.

The US presidential election didn't just divide the nation, it split some families right down the middle. And as the country prepares to mark Thanksgiving, thousands of Americans are taking to social media to share feelings of dread and words of advice on how to cope with the fallout.

Tweet: Thanksgiving 2016 tip. This year, instead of adults table and kids table, Hillary table and Donald table.Image source, Twitter
Tweet: are you ready for thanksgiving where your aunt voted for hillary but your cousin backed gary johnson & 55 percent of your family voted trumpImage source, Twitter
Tweet: This is gonna be one helluva Thanksgiving. Imagine the table tossing that will erupt when your drunk uncle starts in on Trump or Clinton.Image source, Twitter

If this sounds too close for comfort, it might be worth looking at the survival guides that have sprung up online.

"Know your emotions and be prepared to manage them. Be curious: listen with an intent to hear, rather than react," advises hostage negotiator George Kohlrieser in Quartz magazine's feature, external on how to manage "difficult political conversations with people you love".

He also suggests: "Come equipped with the things you can say to deflect: 'I don't share that view. Pass the potatoes.'"

The New York Times, external has also drawn up a guide on how to "argue fairly and without rancor".

New York Times advice on body language - avoid patronising gestures like crossing you arms and clenching your jaw, maintain eye contact in a way that is not a stare-down and lean forward to show interest.Image source, New York Times

"And if you do go despite serious apprehension, have an escape plan," advises the Los Angeles Times, external - arrive "a little late so no one's blocking your car in". Blogger Jennifer Peepas warns that "it's really hard to storm out of an argument if you have to get your uncle who's yelling at you to move their car."

Over on Twitter some are drawing up battle plans.

Tweet: A tad concerned that if somebody says anything pr-trump at thanksgiving I may flip the table and ruin the dayImage source, Twitter

Others are feeling provocative.

Tweet: What if I wear a Hillary Clinton shirt to Thanksgiving dinner? Probably a heated debate. Will be disowned. Might do it anyway. Stay tuned :)Image source, Twitter

And people from both sides of the political divide are weighing in.

Tweet: How to stuff your Hillary supporting uncle, and serve him for Thanksgiving.Image source, Twitter
Tweet: My whole family was die hard Hillary supporters (just because she's a woman) but I hate her, so Thanksgiving will be awkward.Image source, Twitter

One Twitter user wonders if the whole celebration, which can be traced back to a 1621 harvest feast the Pilgrims shared with Native Americans, could even be called off.

Twitter picture of Native Americans looking out at the arriving Pilgrims asking if they are legal and if it is too late to build a fence.Image source, Twitter

But not everyone is preparing for battle.

Tweet: My Dad voted Trump, my Mom voted Hillary. Fascinating Thanksgiving that's gonna be.Image source, Twitter

Despite living in a politically divided family, Chris Ray Maldonado from Los Angeles isn't dreading sitting down to a roast dinner with his relatives on Thursday.

"My parents were always political opposites. That's how I learned that having a different opinion is OK," Maldonado told BBC Trending.

"At the end of the day, family is family. I feel bad for those who were never taught that disagreements were OK."

Blog by Alex Dackevych, external

More from BBC Trending: "Kim the Fat"

A picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 4 November, 2016 shows Kim Jong-un inspecting a special operation battalion of the Korean People's ArmyImage source, AFP

Speculation over North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's apparent weight gain has been a source of growing fascination in neighbouring China - but some mocking nicknames have been banned from social media. READ MORE

You can follow BBC Trending on Twitter @BBCtrending, external, and find us on Facebook, external. All our stories are at bbc.com/trending.

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