2021 Home For the Holidays

2021 Home for the Holidays Lincoln Daily News November 24, 2021 Page 37 Enjoy the silence or fill it with something that actually matters. “But what’s worth talking about?” you may ask. I don’t know why you’re asking me. I’m terrible at conversation. But if you have to talk about something, I might have an idea or two. First, talk about the food. Whatever holiday you’re celebrating, food is ever-present, as we’ve previously discussed. Maybe you’ll get lucky and the conversation will end as everyone falls into a food coma. Talk to the kids, if there are any around. I may not need to socialize, but you know who does? Children. Let them steer the conversation. I know- I don’t like current kids’ shows either. But you know what I do like to see? When a kid is in a good mood because an adult actually listened to them. Kids are really just little people, and that means they want to be heard. So shut up and listen to them yammer about dogs in costumes. When the kids eventually turn away and you’re ready for an adult conversation, ignore that impulse. And there’s a reason I say that. Think of any adult conversation you’ve had in the last five years. Does it make your blood pressure rise? Mine is just writing this sentence. Then realize you’re lucky to be alive at this point and talk about literally anything that actually relaxes you. Finally, I want to address the medical elephant in the room, so to speak. I want to see holiday gatherings where everyone is comfortable and willing to be there. Don’t be that person - don’t guilt trip your family and friends into gathering if they don’t want to risk exposure to an actual airborne Continued n