The news predicted some awkwardness at Thanksgiving due to the fact that families were so divided over this election. I was like, "where?" I must confess, I am one of those people who do not know anyone who didn’t vote and certainly no one who voted for Trump. So during my Thanksgiving, we talked about some of the awkwardness that was happening at y'all's Thanksgiving. It was hilarious.
We know how this administration defines family, but I defined it as the people who love you unconditionally. The people who parts of your life are so interconnected you have to talk to them even if you don’t want to – bloodlines and legal paperwork notwithstanding. That is how I define family.
But with so many minority groups under attack by the past and future actions of Trump and his supporters this holiday season I am imploring people to take a family portrait. Show people that you exist. Show your joy.
Photo: Danielle Harris
I first took my annual family photos during the Christmas after I had my second child. We got complimentary outfits. You know, the cliche holiday plaid. My kids' outfits were from Janie and Jack, and I think my outfit was thrifted. I paid an art college student $100 to meet us at our house and take the pictures. They were beautiful.
The day I took our first family picture my son cried the entire time, my dress would not zip, my husband was wearing gym socks and a suit, the house smelled of fresh trash and I was in full swing of postpartum depression. However in that moment, in that still, we presented some eternal perfection.
Photo: Christian Najjar
That is the magic of a photograph. For a moment everything can be okay. Even in a world where it almost always is not. You exist, you are happy and no one can tell you that you are not perfection.
Photo: Christian Najjar
So we’re inching closer to Christmas. Unlike Thanksgiving I think everyone seems to legitimately take a break. Find a camera, some good lighting, smiles and make a memory with the people that you love. Brag a little, post it on social media and remind people the importance of familial love no matter who it is that you claim.
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