Thanksgiving is one of the most wonderful holidays that exists, at least from the perspective of a college student. A day reserved for an amazing home-cooked meal that is not set up in dining hall format? Count me in. However, there's something that I would like to be counted out of, and that's politics at the dinner table. We all have that one family member who will say things that are rather offensive, and not care about who disagrees with them. This will turn turkey time into family feud, but without Steve Harvey and a survey. However, there are ways to avoid that. So, that being said, here's the top five things you could talk about instead of politics.
1. Pop Culture
Just like SNL has taught us, music can bring people together. So can celebrity's antics, and that thing we just heard about on the news that wasn't about Trump or Hillary.
2. Family News
Whaaat? You mean cousin so-and-so and her boyfriend are getting married? Wow! And her sister is having a baby? No. Way. The time when the family is all together is the time to share the big news, even if it isn't yours to share, it seems. Or at least talking about the big news that's already been shared. While this can sometimes be sensitive, it's less of a burden than politics are.
3. Ask Questions
Questions can be one of the best conversation tactics to use when navigating the minefield of sensitive topics. Sure, you think you know your family members, but do you know their goals? What did they want to be when they grew up? Why do they have the certain job that they do now? Questions are key to getting to know those family members just a little better. And for all you know, that family member that tells the same story every year might have a more interesting one up their sleeve.
4. New Year's Resolutions and Holiday Plans
New Year's Eve is right around the corner, so it's totally fair game. But even more fair game is the other religious holidays that occur between thanksgiving and January. What are they doing for Christmas, Hannukah, Kwaanza, etc.? Most of the time this won't lead into something controversial, so it's always a safe conversation starter.
5. College!
If you're a college student, talking about college is always what people want to hear about for some reason. What's your GPA? Your major? How are your classes going? This conversation can take forever and you're repeating things for the twenty-seventh time, but after all it's the reason you're so thankful to be home with these same people that you're sharing a table and a turkey with, alongside memorable thanks.
