How To Stay Calm If Politics Winds Up On Your Thanksgiving Plate

BEVERLY HILLS (CBSLA.com) — For many folks Thanksgiving is a time for food, friends, and family.

And after a divisive election many people say they don't want politics to wind up on the menu.

"We're trying to avoid that this year," one Thanksgiving shopper said.

Beverly Hills family therapist Dr. Fran Walfish says Thanksgiving is already a stressful time for many families, and adding politics to the mix can be dangerous.

"Every Thanksgiving family dynamics run rampant," Walfish says. And she has some advice. First, set your own ground rules.

"They may say: 'no politics at the dinner table, we're going to talk about it over dessert.' "

Also limit alcohol which could cause more heat than necessary. Keep an open mind. And don't interrupt or judge.

"Listen and allow each person a turn to be heard, acknowledged, validated, and felt to be accepted, flaws and all."

Walfish says remember what Thanksgiving is about: Being grateful for one another's company.