Go and be merry!

It’s Christmas Eve across the globe, or “Dark Yule Eve,” to we Vikings (it’s actually Yule, and it was four days ago, but still), and it’s another time for people to get together with family. I’ve not seen my sisters for several months, and almost missed seeing them in September because of the hurricanes. My goal for tomorrow is simple: enjoy time with family without talking politics.

The attempt may be an exercise in failure, as we’re all politically minded and politics ends up popping up in one shape or form. But I’ve discovered it’s more important to go and be merry, cherish the time with my siblings, eat good food, and just relax. There are certainly plenty of other Americans who want this too, based on how many, “How to avoid politics,” stories pop up during the run up to holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Not everyone is in agreement on this notion of a politics free holiday. Former President Barack Obama encouraged political discussion, especially over Obamacare. Vox talked to mediators, counselors, and psychologists on how the divisiveness in the nation is why people should discuss their differences over the dinner table. Even President Donald Trump seems to not be able to avoid politics on Christmas Eve, having done a couple tweet storms over the last 24 hours. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Trump go off on politics again tomorrow, but I hope his Secret Service detail takes his phones and locks them in a safe for a day. Just like I hope to avoid political discussions for a day or so.

It’s obviously up to individuals whether they want to do this sort of thing. If it’s just in your DNA to talk politics, or go back and forth on Twitter on everything from Net Neutrality to the GOP tax bill, then that’s up to you. There will be no attempts of force by this libertarian to get people to stop doing their heart’s desire, unless they’re trying to hurt someone, take their stuff, or take their freedom. If folks want to debate politics today or tomorrow, that’s perfectly fine with me. I’d encourage debate to be on the issues, without emotional arguments, as that’s the best way to actually learn something. Personally, I’ve done too much political commentary for my liking this weekend, even though I’m finally feeling like Scrooge’s nephew on Christmas Eve, all happy about what’s to come.

Christmas used to be about presents and family, and now it’s become a bit more of just enjoying time with family members. Gifts are nice, don’t get me wrong, but the chance to see family members I don’t see that often is just so enticing. This year has really put things into perspective, with all the heated political rhetoric and the disasters and tragedies which hit my home state of Texas. Family and friendship is more important than anything, especially politics, as much as I love the latter.

Didn’t Whoville have it right, in the end?

Or, better yet, Linus?

Merry Christmas, all. I hope it’s quiet, or, at least, quieter for those with kids after they rip open their presents and start playing with them. Go out and be merry! That’s my plan for tomorrow, and I hope it’s yours too.