What Not to Talk About at Holiday Dinners

Getting ready for holiday dinners and don't want to be the one who ruined it for everyone? Here are some important tips to keep in mind.

The holidays are here once again and that means the inescapable family dinners, as well. We all have our issues, but nowhere are these so apparent as when we have to sit and break bread together.

Whether it's with family or close friends, nobody wants to ruin a beautiful feast. It might only happen once a year, but we all want to remember the occasion with fondness: a lively table with warm conversation, smiles, and laughter.

But one unguarded remark can, and often has, ruined it for all. So, in the best interests of you, your family, and close friends, here are the things you should not talk about at holiday dinners. And...those that you should!

Holiday Dinners 

The Topics to Avoid

This is not about table manners. Aside from not talking with a mouth full of food, chewing loudly, or showing up unkempt, you may also need to behave well by restraining yourself. Reason being: that what we don't do doesn't bring us half as much trouble as what we actually do do.

So, in spirit the holidays, and while you prepare to soak in as much love as food and drink, here is what not to talk about at holiday dinners.

1. Complaints About The Food – A big no-no. Don't do it. If you don't like anything about the meal you just had or are still eating, keep it to yourself.
   
   
2. Family Gossip – Whether it's prying into your auntie's private life, asking why uncle Joe hasn't re-married, if cousin Vinny has joined Alcoholics Anonymous, or giving parenting advice to whoever you think needs it. Stop! Holiday dinner is not the right place.
   
   
3. Politics – Even if your entire clan belongs to the same political party, you will likely be divided into party factions. So, unless you want to kill that holiday mood,  avoid political talk it at all costs. Avoid talking about the president, Afghanistan, the Taliban, the border wall, Vaccine mandates, you get the drift.
   
   
4. Religion – This is another topic to avoid like the plague (which, by the way, you should also avoid taking about). Especially if you have just converted to a new religion, or even become an atheist. Religious arguments don't end well, don't change anyone's mind, and the rancor they create can last a lifetime.
   
   
5. Sickness & Covid-19 – The world is currently in a difficult, unpleasant situation with the pandemic. But part of the reason we gather to celebrate with friends and family is to provide support, enjoyment and hope to one another. Talking about disease, diagnoses, surgeries, infections, and so on will only bring down the atmosphere, bring back what we are all trying to forget, and kill the mood. Good breeding dictates one not talk about unpalatable things whilst ingesting food. This includes health disorders.

The Topics to Try

After you have seen the topics to avoid, here are ideas you can try to blend into your dinnertime conversations.

1. Cellphone Basket – leave the phone in there. Though this one is not a topic, it can help substantially. While we are all grateful for technology and the Internet, family and friends' time should not include Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or God forbid, Tinder. 
   
   
2. Mutual Interests – This is where you should focus the majority of your efforts. Anything from sports to music and popular culture will do. However, it should be shared interests, not just your own fiefdom. Something that most of you have in common. Easy topics that everyone hears about on the news, social media, and so on.
   
   
3. Tell a Joke – Even a bad joke is a good idea. You want everyone laughing, even at your expense. Laughing releases dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins. These boost our attention, bonding, and feelings of pleasure, respectively.
   
   
4. Give a Sincere Compliment – This means thoughtful. A compliment about a particular behavior, accomplishment, life improvement or skill. Not the usual 'I like your hair' or 'Nice car'.
   
   
5. Talk About Gifts You Love – Few things heighten the holiday spirits like gifts. Why not talk about great gifts you've received? How have prior gifts helped, changed your life or simply given you pleasure? What would you advise? And if the audience is mature, feel free to talk about gift ideas from panties.com.

Conclusion

Coming to the end of this list of what not to talk about at holiday dinners, you have also seen what you should try discussing. It's all about celebration and uplifting the spirits of those present.

Wishing your and yours a Happy Holiday Season - may the only turkey in your life be on the table!!