Thanksgiving also provides us the opportunity to engage in family traditions that have been passed down from generations. Whether it’s traveling to an out-of-town family member’s home, gathering for the annual family football game or sharing what you’re thankful for around the table, many of us look forward to Thanksgiving for comforting traditions.
As you gather this year, add a new family tradition to this list by discussing some of life’s most important questions. When you engage in meaningful dialogue with the people closest to you, you have the chance to learn what makes them truly special.
Below, we outline four Thanksgiving conversation-starting questions for around the table.
1. Who taught you to cook?
Some of life’s fondest memories form while enjoying a meal with the people we love. And for a holiday that’s celebrated with food, this is a great question to transition into deeper discussions with friends and family.
You can honor a part of your heritage by sharing favorite recipes and the stories behind them when you ask family members who taught them to cook. Also, consider adding some of the recipes shared during the discussions to next year’s Thanksgiving menu to take the conversation a step further.
2. What are you most grateful for this year?
Does your family say grace before eating Thanksgiving dinner? Or, maybe you give each family member a chance to say what his or her favorite memory was from this past year. You can easily add to that tradition by asking the question, for what are you most grateful, as you pass around the turkey or pumpkin pie.
Have each person go around the table and say something that happened to them within the last year for which they’re grateful. Or, have each person write their answer on a slip of paper, and take turns guessing who wrote what. Once everyone has had a chance to talk, collect the slips of paper to store away until next Thanksgiving. With each passing year, you can revisit your answer.
3. What’s one thing you’d like to accomplish during your lifetime?
Do you have a bucket list—a list of all the accomplishments and experiences you hope to achieve before you die? If so, have you shared that list with friends and family?
By asking this question, you’ll get a better understanding of each other’s life goals and dreams. Perhaps a few of you have a similar item on your list that you can cross off together. You can hold each other accountable, increase your odds of success and bond in the meantime when you share your bucket list.
4. Who has made the greatest impact on your life?
Have you ever been asked this question? Although personal, it presents the opportunity to thank those who have been there through life’s triumphs and tribulations.
As you gather around the table, allow yourself to be open and honest with the ones you love. If a particular friend or family member at the table comes to mind when asking or answering this question, tell them!
Uncover Even More Conversation Topics for Thanksgiving
These questions are just a start to liven up conversation around your Thanksgiving table. In our downloadable ebook, “Busch’s Essential Guide to Meaningful Conversation,” you’ll get access to 25+ conversation-starting questions and tips for in-depth discussions with your loved ones. Download a copy today as you prep for the holidays.
