Holiday meals in the age of political turmoil.

There is a sense of inevitability that falls upon us during family gatherings and reunions among friends. The political chatter that comes served with the lechon is often no less tasty because of varying opinions and comments that are based on fact, fiction, and as of late, a flurry of fake news.

The Filipino’s penchant for rumor and our pundit mentality make for good holiday conversation. Often enough, the salacious stories are best dished out with coffee and dessert. Why so, one asks? Politics is THE national pastime.

Whether it’s the President caught in a crossfire of a Barretto catfight or potential presidential contenders in 2022, there is much to be opined by the experts and pseudo commentators amongst us.

But in keeping with the season, allow this writer to be a bearer of gentle reminders. Political discussion is only fun when it’s in the spirit of levity. Forget about heated debates and steer clear of emotional rants and lengthy discourses. It is the season of gift-giving and no one, without exception, is allowed to dish out hatred, vitriol, or worse, negativity.

Instead of sharpening one’s knives for debate, take out those board games, mahjong sets, and dare we say, your golden karaoke mic. Singing surely redirects passion into what could be a mind-blowing performance that your family will either love or laugh about… Just don’t hog the mic, and please… stay away from singing “My Way.”

For those who naturally gravitate towards political musings, best to stay away from too much liquor. Why not serve ice cream to cool down zealous opinions and critiques?

This writer doesn’t wish to trivialize impassioned statements and treatises but looking around, I see that there is much that deserves the best of our attention and effort. Typhoon Ursula ravaged parts of the Visayas and many spent their Christmas once again in fear and in desperation. Let us remember them in the midst of our own celebrations. Those who wish to donate can course their assistance through legitimate charities and organizations.

There is no avoiding politics, whether as a thought or topic. Politics’ pervasive nature has found its way into our homes, invading quiet family dinners and riotous gatherings. But lest we be carried away and turn every innocuous “how do you do” events into “what do you think and who do you know” diatribes, then it is best that we remember that this is the season to be filled with hope, optimism and yes, positivity. This is the time when one’s sense of impending gloom and doom takes a backseat to blessedness. When hopeful hearts win over skepticism and despair.

This is a time for family. For opinionated, strong-willed, politically aggressive family. For apathetic and apolitical family. This is a time to engage in light banter. It’s also time for fake news not only to be laughed at but also made sure it doesn’t spread any further.

This is a time to remember that despite political differences and elections fought, lost, and won, family will always be family.

After all, it is the season of cheer. Let’s be merry and celebrate the many reasons why the future that 2020 ushers in remains clear despite many doubts and uncertainties. There may be no end to politics and to all the talk that it invites, but let us bear in mind and learn from what it inescapably instills in us.

Faith. The belief that for the Filipino, the best is yet to be.