Election disagreements leave some guests uninvited from Thanksgiving dinner

A shocking number of people have been uninvited from the traditionally family event.

Many people have shared their political views over social media during the intense presidential debates and ensuing election - but what impact has it had on their families?

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - We've all heard, or perhaps even been the victims of losing friends due to our extremely different political views but now some are admitting they are losing familial relations as well.

According to USA Today, 19-year-old Sarah-Jane Cunninham is one example of love lost between family members.

She knew her political opinions differed from those her family shared but one week before Thanksgiving, Sarah-Jane learned just how poorly her family saw her.

"She asked me if I was going to be disrespectful to my family, and I told her that it could work either way," Cunningham shared, referring to a conversation she had with her mother.

"If the things I am saying are disrespectful to Trump supporters, the things they are saying are also disrespectful to me."

Her mother uninvited her to the family Thanksgiving dinner and called later in an attempt to mend the wound but Cunningham decided Thanksgiving would be better spent at home with her two cats.

Twitter has been rife with similar stories where Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton supporters continue to battle - even to the point where a holiday created for setting aside differences has become sullied.

"I'm uninvited from thanksgiving [sic] dinner on my dads [sic] side because I made a political post on facebook  [sic] not even directly against trump[sic] "Gab" wrote.

"Dreading thanksgiving [sic] tbh. My whole family voted trump [sic] & they're just gonna ridicule me bc he won," "Grotty" wrote.

Jamie M. Howard, a clinical psychologist at the Anxiety and Mood Disorders Center of the Child Mind Institute in New York City believes passions run high when it comes to politics.

"When you enter the conversation, don't enter it trying to change someone's mind or prove why you are right and they are wrong," he explained.

"At this point, you aren't going to change anyone's mind."

Howard made a wonderful statement, explaining the United States was "built on different political parties and people thinking different things."

He explained how these differences push "us forward, and it's a good thing people have different opinions than us. If you can stay grounded in that spirit, it is a good thing."

It is important to remember Thanksgiving is a time to spread joy and to be grateful for the people and the events God has placed in our lives.

Which is more important - keeping away from political arguments or spending a traditional holiday with the family?

A few years ago, Pope Francis explained families are "very beautiful and a source of great strength!"

The Pontiff continues to request we pray for each other and we break the bonds of anger to reunite and forge stronger relationships with one another.

This Thanksgiving, try to be polite during political conversation or excuse yourself from the topic altogether.

One day without talk of politics just might ensure an amazing meal surrounded by even more amazing people.

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