We’re entering the heavy travel period as a bazillion people prepare to circle up with family for Thanksgiving. In your typical year you’ve got people debating the value behind celebrating a Pilgrims and Native Americans unity myth but this is 2024. It’s no typical year.

Advice ranges from just stick to safe topics, talk about your freaking dog for hours if need be, to go scorched earth and leave it all behind. Many of us are creeping our way into family gatherings where not everyone feels the same about our recent presidential election. Creativity called for “dumpster fire” centerpieces but I managed to tamp down that instinct. Probably.

Check on your people. It’s rough out here.