Things NOT to Talk About During Thanksgiving Dinner

Between family, food, and joyous memories, Thanksgiving is such a lovely time. At least until your uncle starts a political debate. With Thanksgiving only a few weeks away, one can practically smell the turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes with gravy, and sweet potato pie. With so many great traditions, what could possibly go wrong? Two words: controversial topics. When you’ve been looking forward to this day for so long, the last thing you want is to start a debate over dinner. Here’s ten topics to avoid to keep the conversation as light as your pumpkin pie.

By: Ashley Tiara Lilly

Exes

Maybe you thought your brother and his ex-girlfriend made a lovely couple. If that’s the case, you may be curious to ask about why they broke up. This is Thanksgiving. Let your brother focus on the delicious apple pie, not on his broken heart.

Gloating About Vacations

It may be tempting to brag about your month-long trip to Bali, or about how you finally scored tickets to Hamilton on your trip to NYC. That’s exciting, but everyone may not be able to relate. Instead, talk about a memory the whole family shared so everyone can be on the same page.

Medical Procedures

Some people have no problem discussing open-heart surgery, but not everyone will be comfortable hearing the details. Stick to topics that are less heavy, like celebrity gossip or your favorite sitcom.

Trump or Hillary

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. You and your family may share the same DNA, but that doesn’t mean you share the same political views. Take this topic off the table from the start. This way, you can focus more on passing the candied yams and less on passing the sarcasm.

Religion or Conversion

Many families have a tradition of giving thanks for their food before they eat, and that can be a wonderful thing to bond over. Aside from that, you may not want to spend the entire dinner trying to convert your sister to your newfound belief system. She may not appreciate it too much.

Someone’s New Haircut

Perhaps your daughter has chopped all her hair off and dyed it blonde, and you, to say the least, prefer her old style. There’s a time and a place to voice your thoughts, but not during a holiday dinner. Let her enjoy her new do while she eats her turkey.

Someone’s Five-Year Goals

This is especially true for college students. As someone who wants them to succeed, you may be tempted to ask them about their plans for the future. Please don’t. Instead, ask your beloved college students about the past and any new experiences they may have had.

How Good Last Year’s Cook Was

Perhaps last year’s cook made a turkey that cut like butter, nice and fluffy mashed potatoes, and a heavenly pumpkin pie. Those are great memories, but don’t make this year’s cook feel bad by bringing them up. Instead, give thanks for the love and time they put into this special day.

Sex

Don’t be that guy.

Money

If someone owes you money, it may be tempting to bring it up, especially if this isn’t someone you see that often. This is a family holiday. Forgive debts for now. Wait until the evening ends, then you can bring up a payment plan.

Thanksgiving is filled with so many wonderful memories of food, family, and laughter. Let’s keep the banter light and sweet this holiday season, and remember to give thanks!

-ATL