The holidays - a magical time where you spend time with loved ones and stuff your face. The dinner conversation, however, can be less than pleasant if you're not careful. To avoid falling down the rabbit hole of "Why don't you pick a real major?" or "Will you ever give me grandkids?" Talking about politics and the future are important conversations, but they don't belong on a holiday season meant for togetherness, love and gratitude.
We can't retreat to the kid's table forever. Here are tips and tricks to keep conversation interesting and fun during this amazing familial quality time.
1. What's the last movie you've seen?
Movies are always a good starting point, and this conversation can lead a variety of directions. Books and TV shows are also great, casual talking points.
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what funny selfie would you take?
As long as it's not disrespecting another country's culture or a memorial, silly selfies are a great way to share memories. Whether you high-fiving Lady Liberty or playing Godzilla on a skyscraper, it's fun to dream up good pictures.
3. How would your favorite movie character act at this Thanksgiving dinner?
Whatever hypothetical you dream up, be wary of inviting Shaggy and Scooby. Dinner would be gone before grandma can say Grace.
4. Would you rather...
That single phrase can spiral into a night of funny questions and difficult answers. What a way to laugh with loved ones.
5. What's the coolest dream you've ever had?
My Spanish prof asked us this... I told him I could lucid dream and he made his fingers into a cross and cried "Bruja". Hope you find more success with this prompt. than I did.
6. Play two truths and a lie.
It's strange how we've spent an inordinate amount of time with family yet sometimes we know so little about their likes, dislikes or stories. This is a great way to get to know the fam.
7. Have you seen the video of the dude who pets his goldfish?
Social media is a great conversation starter. My family spent one Thanksgiving looking at cinnamon challenge videos. It was quite the time, especially when my uncle showed us his own attempt.
8. Remember that time when...?
People love reminiscing about the glories of old. Why not bring up that time your crazy Aunt Kathy wore a santa suit to Easter?