A different kind of Thanksgiving tip

Thanksgivings have been difficult for many families, because of the political divide. I’ve written about that several times in previous years, and have made suggestions for a healing grace in one of the previous newsletters.

I just heard this simple tip that might help on a podcast by Gretchen Rubin. It is to invite someone from outside the family. It works because it puts people on their best behavior.

I actually did this a few years ago.  I invited a work colleague who was here in the US on a temporary assignment to my family’s Thanksgiving – with permission from those involved.  Our guest was very appreciative of experiencing a full American Thanksgiving and for seeing what an American house looked like. Everyone was on their best behavior.  I did get a request to not do it again – this person didn’t want to be on their best behavior.  But I can see how this would work - one time, perhaps.