ANY blood family. I never have to put up with this kind of bs. my family is all of the heart, and not one is a fundie. definitely saves wear and tear on the nerves.

I just got back from enemy territory. Went to my aunt's house; she married a pretty right-wing guy (nice person otherwise, to be honest).. his whole family is as right wing as he is... I was the only one from 'my' side. Had to sit there quietly while they all ranted about guns and scary autistic people and obamercare.

Sucks when you're the guest, and you're outnumbered.

I didn't go, so am not sure who was there.

Yeah, I would've retreated under those circumstances. I'm not one to do that, typically, but that was so bad that I think I would've faked a nap. Oh, who am I kidding? I would've just told the old man, "Can't we have a nice holiday without criticizing people, getting into religion and politics, and arguing? Waddya say? If you agree not to criticize Obama and Methodists and liberals, I'll agree not to trash Bush and Republicans."

That I don't / won't sat the pledge of allegiance. The silence after that was stunning,
Tho mr bro in law started to attempt, but stopped when my sister elbowed him whispering
Something. Both from Va Beach, and she is contacted at the naval base.

Guess that's what it sounded like. Discussions.... However....trended that way
And more than half the attendees became quite silenced after my declaration.
My partner, who is even more socialist than I tried to change the topic. Amusing, since
He's the one who always continues to needle.

People have their own christmas traditions, and that wouldn't be the wackiest one ever heard of...
One domineering parent is all it takes for a family tradition to arise.

Anyway, I've always thought politics at holiday gatherings was a bad idea.

raging liberal/progressive, so no problems there.

Neither Mr. D nor I have living parents, and all other relatives are across the continent.

bliss.

We both DO have uncomfortable memories of past holidays when get togethers were "mandatory".

He invited my husband and children to see the children put on a nativity play at his evangelical church. I said I would go so we could leave when we wanted to. The play was an hour long and then there were two adult worship services which nobody wanted to stay for. I tried to have an open mind when I first walked in. I thought okay we'll get to share someone else's culture and we can just enjoy it for what it is, Christians celebrating the birth of their baby Jesus. Then of course they launch into inviting us skeptics to ask God to prove this unlikely story to us through these adorable children putting on this nativity. This of course ruined the whole thing for me. I did think the children were adorable, but it made me uncomfortable and resentful to know that they were all waiting for God to touch my unbelieving grinch heart and make it grow and accept Jesus. Never again. If I ever go again it will be to a Catholic service. They don't openly try to convert people during the service and as someone who enjoys meditation I have always enjoyed the quiet, melodic, and reflective service of Catholic mass.