For nearly half of young adults in the U.S., the phrase “home for the holidays” might not ring true this year.
A new survey from the American Psychological Association found that 45% of adults aged 18 to 34 are planning to skip holiday family gatherings entirely to avoid any potential political debates. And they’re not alone — nearly two in five Americans overall are avoiding certain relatives this season for the same reason.
After a polarizing election year, emotional fatigue is running high. The APA survey, conducted by The Harris Poll, found that the majority of Americans are anticipating post-election tension at family gatherings. The study found that 72% of U.S. adults hope to avoid political discussions at holiday get-togethers, and among younger adults, many would rather avoid family members altogether than risk igniting a feud.
But not all the news is bleak. A resounding 83% of respondents agreed that the holidays should be a time to set aside political differences, proving that most Americans still hold onto some hope of a peaceful holiday season.
For those who are still planning to show up at Grandma’s house or the annual cousins’ potluck, we’ve got some essential advice on how to keep your family intact through a holiday meal.
