The election’s over. The votes are counted, the signs are coming down (well, most of them—there’s always that one neighbor who insists on keeping theirs up until the next election), and thank goodness, the never-ending political ads have finally stopped. Honestly, I was starting to feel like I was turning into one of the candidates myself. Every time I opened my mouth, I was ready to say, “I’m Susie-Q, and I approve what I just said.” I stopped myself from saying it at the grocery store the other day. “I’m Shelly-Lou, and I approve this loaf of bread I just picked out.” Yep, I’m glad that’s over.
For months, we’ve been glued to the news, arguing with friends, posting memes, checking polls like we should be checking our cholesterol levels. We were all in the middle of it—screaming at our TVs, trying to convince each other our candidate was the right one, and at some point, I’m pretty sure we all blocked at least one person for their “questionable” opinion. It was like a Thanksgiving dinner gone wrong—everyone’s convinced they know how to fix the country (or the burnt turkey, take your pick), but we’re all fighting over which recipe to use.
But now? You hear that? Yeah, me neither, because now it’s over. So… Gee, now what?
Maybe we can start with something simple. Remember when we used to talk about things other than politics? Like, the weather? Maybe someone has a new dog, or there’s a neighbor who just put up their Christmas lights, and you have to decide whether to judge them for it or admire their enthusiasm. (Is it too early? Is it ever really too early?) Or what about the Thanksgiving dinner plans? Let’s be real—how much turkey is actually enough, and how many people are going to fight over the mashed potatoes?
There are plenty of things we can talk about now. The leaves are mostly gone, but there’s still that crisp, autumn air that makes you want to sip on something warm and cozy. Maybe it’s time to finally dig out that pumpkin pie recipe you’ve been meaning to try. And hey, who isn’t excited about the upcoming holiday season? Maybe it’s not too early to even start planning Christmas, if you’re one of those overachievers! I mean, come on… wouldn’t right now be a good time to figure out how to tell sweet Aunt Rosie, who always brings that awful side dish no one touches, that this year, we’re probably just going to need extra napkins? I mean, that’s a safe request, right? All without hurting her feelings or fumbling over why no one, once again, ate any of the food she brought.
So, here we are. Let’s enjoy the silence before the Christmas ads start, because before we know it, we might find ourselves belting out “Jingle Bells” while picking out bread at the grocery store. (I mean, it’s just a small step from political ads to holiday jingles, right?)
Who’s with me?