So, whether or not you're happy with the outcome of the recent presidential election, you're probably at least glad it's over. I think we were all done with the campaigning and the articles and the Facebook ranting and the nonsense that took place over the last year and a half.
But somehow, no matter how tired we all are of talking about it, it always manages to worm its way into holiday conversations around the dinner table. Whether it's your crazy uncle who keeps bringing it up and swearing it was all a conspiracy, your tech-savvy cousin who mistakes Onion articles for truth and won't stop talking about them, or your sister's boyfriend who just loves to argue, it always comes up, doesn't it? Well, I started thinking about it over Thanksgiving break, and I've come up with twelve things you can talk about this Christmas instead of the election.
1. "Stranger Things"
This show is amazing! It combines cool kids, crazy superpowers, and Winona Ryder. What's not to love?
2. Play "Would you rather?" or "If you could..."
Would you rather have wings or a tail? If you could shrink one animal down to fit in your pocket, what would it be? Would you rather be a famous author or a famous director? If you could name a newly discovered country, what would you name it?
3. Have your whole family impersonate their favorite animal
See if you can figure out what to do for a giraffe, because I can't.
4. Try to orchestrate a mannequin challenge
We did one over Thanksgiving and it was actually pretty fun. Even the grandparents participated! It might not be as huge as this one, but I'm sure it'll be great (assuming this challenge is still relevant by Christmas)
5. Discuss where in the world you want to travel and why
You can also talk about your favorite places you've already been to.
6. New Year's resolutions
Is anyone planning on having one? How have they gone over the past year?
7. The best Christmas presents you've ever gotten
Hopefully everyone can think of one or two really memorable ones.
8. The second coming of Christ
Just kidding. Don't do that.
9. Pumpkin pie in general
It's just really really really good. I could talk about it for ages.
10. The weather
It's always a nice cop-out.
11. The new "Gilmore Girls" revival
(See GIF under item 8)
I've never watched it, but my roommate says it's pretty great!
12. Your favorite books, movies, and TV shows
This might give you ideas for future presents for people.
These are all relatively safe things to discuss around the dinner table and the Christmas tree, and they are also good for bringing the family closer together. Even your most obstinate relatives should be interested in at least one of these topics.
Happy Christmas and good luck!
