The holiday season can be a strenuous time for anyone who has a family with problems, but one holiday in particular comes to mind: Thanksgiving. It should be a joyous time filled with laughter and being thankful for each other.

  But what do you do if your family doesn’t all get along? Not every family is perfect, but if family members despise one another how can you be thankful for what you have?

  It poses a considerable dilemma when you’re too busy being thankful that no one has stormed out yet, instead of enjoying the holiday stress-free. Thanksgiving is a tricky thing to navigate when you have to watch what you say and how you look at certain family members.

  Maintaining peace and civility at the Thanksgiving dinner table can be accomplished by having a filter, being courteous, and showing interest in those talking.

    As far as difficult families go, one must show cautiousness and awareness when speaking at the table. Having a filter drastically decreases the likelihood of anyone getting offended. If politics are a tricky conversation, it’s best to not talk about it at all. It can cause tensions that are already existing to become more rampant. Tip toe around subjects that everyone knows are sensitive or change them all together.

    Showing courtesy is another helpful way to prevent hectic family drama during Thanksgiving. Being courteous can be as small as pushing in your seat when someone is trying to get by. Courtesy can go as extravagant as cleaning up everyone’s plate after the dinner is over. The smallest gestures count, making the others feel more respected and accommodated.

    Showing an interest in those around the Thanksgiving table creates good conversation and positive feelings. Instead of using the word “you” so much, ask about others. Steering away from self-oriented topics will bring the family closer together as whole.

   The Thanksgiving dinner table can be a place of cordial conversation, even for conflict-prone families, by having a filter,  being courteous, and showing interest in others.