Group Chats, Groupthink, and the Meaning of the Holidays (The Story of the Clan)

The holidays are a time to be thankful for what we have and to reflect on what truly matters as we roll toward 2026—preferably while holding a plate of dessert and pretending we’ll “start fresh in January.” When you look around the table at the people you’re sharing food and conversation with, it becomes clear how important those relationships are. These moments don’t happen by accident; they’re made possible by shared values, mutual respect, and a collective agreement not to flip the table over during political discussions.

Embrace togetherness!
Bark bark!
Puppies need chew toys
so they don't damage the furniture.

Of course, not everyone is committed to unity. Some people prefer division—slicing communities into tiny groups where questionable narratives can live rent-free and unchecked. Enter the philosophical story of the “clan”: a tale involving justice going on vacation, bad behavior being oddly rewarded, and authority being used less like a responsibility and more like a clearance sale. Still, even this story comes with hope, because eventually good people step forward and say, “Yeah… no, this isn’t okay.” 

In this thought experiment, a particular group engages in aggressive behavior toward others, relying heavily on rumor-spreading, undermining parents rights and put kids at risk, heckling, and what can only be described as competitive group immaturity (disperesed feelings of responsibility). They target outsiders—or anyone they happen to be jealous of—while the rest of the community quietly recognizes what’s going on and exchanges knowing looks that say, “Ah yes, them again.” Microaggressions, coordinated antics, and playground-level drama ensue, leaving real harm in their wake, especially for vulnerable individuals.

More mature adults, however, tend to recognize these patterns immediately. Group bullying often shows up as loud public behavior, creative storytelling disguised as “facts,” and an impressive inability to take responsibility. What looks like strength in numbers is usually just insecurity with a group chat. The irony is that people who actually possess confidence, competence, and real-world skills tend to be polite, calm, and boringly reasonable. Big barking, as it turns out, is rarely a sign of a big bite—it’s usually a sign of very little exposure to people who actually know what they’re doing.

As the holidays approach, it’s worth pausing to appreciate the good people around us, the communities that support us, and the values that keep society functioning—often despite our best efforts. Looking ahead to 2026, we might ask what kind of example we want to set for our children and for each other. Choosing kindness, self-control, and basic decency may not be flashy, but it turns out they age very well. Even when faced with hostility, responding with politeness, self-awareness, and gratitude is both disarming and deeply satisfying—and a reminder that we have far more to be thankful for than we sometimes realize. Get on Santa's nice list and the gift you get is integrity and commitment to certain shared values. You will be part of the solution!

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