I have heard many of my friends talking about how ironic it is to have Thanksgiving just a few short weeks after this year's...noteworthy...election. It is always awkward to disagree with someone politically - especially when they are a family member. So if you are someone who is feeling a bit anxious about the abundance of family time you may be facing, here is a list of non-threatening ideas to discuss around the table.
1. Highlights of the year
Full disclosure: I am a bit of an optimist. So there's my disclaimer. But, I do think it is very important to look back on this past year and see what has gone well. Plus, it is always interesting to hear what other people find important to highlight. Maybe, just maybe, some of those highlights have included your family and you can all reminisce on the good times.
2. Plans for 2017.
I know this is a bit of a New Year's activity, but why not add it in to Thanksgiving too? What are some things you are looking forward to or hope to do in the next year? Share those ideas with your family and see if they can support you (and you can support them) in their plans.
3. Favorite holiday tradition.
Whether you and your family celebrates Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, the Winter Solstice, or something else entirely, there are lots of traditions among families. Does your family do things you look forward to each year? One of my favorite traditions is when we see the Trans Siberian Orchestra when they come to town. Usually, it is right around Thanksgiving. This year, it is in the first part of December. My Dad and I have talked about how much fun it is to kick off the holiday season with a TSO concert. Traditions can be so much fun! Maybe your family used to do something and have not done it in a while - and maybe it is time to pick it back up again.
4. Football.
Not everybody is a big football fan, but for those who are, it can be easy to keep a conversation going with friendly rivalries and good-spirited competition. Which teams are doing well this year, which teams are not, which ones are surprising to everyone, etc. But please, try to refrain from those controversial things like #DeflateGate
5. Silly Questions.
Have you ever filled out one of those facebook surveys with "100 things about me" or something like that? The ones that ask you everything from favorite food, to tattoos and piercings, to what color underwear you are wearing at that particular moment. Well, playing a family-friendly version of these surveys could be a fun way to get a conversation going and get to know each other a little better - especially if you only see some members of the family occasionally.
Have a very happy Thanksgiving and enjoy all the good eats!
