What do people find appealing about shopping on Black Friday? My friends are pressuring me to shop with them, but I don’t see any appeal in getting trampled
at Target ?

JR: Every year, I go Black Friday shopping to get the best deal on the latest flat screen TV. I now have 15 flat screens. Sure, I might have injured a few moms along the way, but it’s been worth it to get to this place.

JW: If you’re into mosh pits and waiting in line overnight in the rain, then you’re just the person we want to save 15 percent on a computer (that will be broken when you get it out of the box because you threw it in a moving flatbed to escape the mob of angry shoppers). But I could go either way on the topic.

JT: Some people use it as an excuse to focus on something neutral after a day of family nitpicking. Some just like to get out of the house, and others thrive on the adrenaline of a good deal. If you don’t want to go, just be honest and tell your friends politely that you’d rather claw your eyes out. Or just go. Maybe it’ll be fun.

I have some very…opinionated relatives coming over for Thanksgiving dinner. How do I keep things civil and under control?

JR: Civility is unlikely so just dive right in. Play a fun game at dinner where you ask everyone to disclose who they voted for in the election and whether they support the current president.  When it’s your turn, make sure to hit as many sticky topics as possible. Say things like, “I sure hope my e-mails to Benghazi get through to WikiLeaks.” (Don’t worry about facts, just use buzz words.)

JW: Maybe instead of a swear jar, have an opinion jar. Every time someone gives their unsolicited opinion, they put a $20 in the jar. Then that money gets donated to their least favorite political party.

JT: Don’t ban political talk, because then that’s all anyone’s going to want to talk about. Instead, try to keep your family engaged in positive topics. Odds are, after the election some of the air will be let out of the tires, anyway. If you’re talking about general family nagging, though, I recommend wine, and a lot of nodding.

All the men in our family want to do on Thanksgiving is
watch football and take naps. How can I encourage more family activity without ruining their fun?

JR: Tell them they can watch football if they prepare and clean up the meal. Fair is fair.

JW: Don’t mess with perfection!

JT: We all work hard. We’ve earned a day of turkey-induced dozing in the La-Z-Boy. This year, join us and experience just how exquisite sloth can be.

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