Keeping the conversation civil: Expert offers advice to prevent holiday gatherings from becoming heated arguments.

The joy of family gatherings during the holidays, with visions of warmth, food, and laughter, can quickly fade as we face the challenges of dealing with differing opinions and personalities, often leading to heated political discussions that turn the dinner table into a battleground.

This election year, some experts have suggested cutting ties with family members who voted differently, a controversial idea that some view as extreme.

Others are more committed to healing the rifts and making the holiday season about uniting people.

If one misstep is taken in this minefield, heartfelt reflections about faith, family, or other significant aspects of life could quickly escalate into a heated argument between passionate Trump and Harris supporters, who repeatedly struggle to put aside their political differences and focus on a shared experience, despite their brief time together.

To lower the temperature, diffuse tension, and keep the focus on connection instead of division, it might be smart to set the tone ahead of time, according to etiquette expert Pamela Eyring.

As the host, if you're concerned, I recommend saying, "We're celebrating the holiday or steering away from politics, it's happening regardless of whether you or she likes it," to set the stage before they arrive.

"Our focus is to steer clear from sensitive topics such as politics and have a good time. Let's say it in a positive tone and inform the family."

The Protocol School of Washington, where Eyring serves as president and owner, emphasizes the importance of effective communication and respectful conflict resolution in its training.

When tensions still arise, Eyring recommends staying calm and redirecting the conversation with gentle authority.

"She remarked, 'Always change the topic, change the person,'" I recall.

Eyring suggests redirecting conversations that become heated by affirming that the discussion is being tabled and pivoting to another family member who recently had something interesting happen in their life.

"By changing the topic and the person, you're effectively saying 'hush up' and reminding people not to cause a rift. As the host, you're in control and your actions help to maintain order and quietness."

Another way to bring out commonalities and lessen the depth of their differences, she suggested, is through inclusive activities such as setting the table, watching a football game, or bringing out a board game or another distraction that provides a shared goal.

Consider arranging seating for guests with opposing views separately to encourage smaller, more positive conversations.

Eyring advises hosts to handle difficult conversations with patience and empathy when guests persistently push the discussion back into uncomfortable territory.

"Perhaps you're hosting a gathering and didn't anticipate how vocal your grandfather is about the election. It happens, so you attempt to steer the conversation away. However, maybe it's a good opportunity to discuss shared values, and I prefer to concentrate on humanity and strive to comprehend."

To ensure a peaceful holiday gathering, it is essential to prepare, redirect thoughts, and find ways to unite people, regardless of distance.