We all know the feeling. You are sitting at the dinner table with your extended family and someone asks the dreaded question, “So, what have you been up to?” You try to say something – anything – but nothing comes to mind. Small talk is hard enough, but when you only see your relatives once or twice a year, it can be even harder to find something to talk about.
This Thanksgiving, avoid that awkward silence by preparing yourself with a few conversation starters.
46 Questions to ask during Thanksgiving:
- What’s new in your life?
- What are you thankful for this year?
- What was the best thing about your year?
- What are you looking forward to in the next year?
- What is the funniest thing that happened to you this year?
- What was your most difficult experience this year? How did you overcome it?
- Are there any significant changes in your life that we should know about?
- What have you learned or accomplished in the past year?
- How have you grown or changed in the past year?
- What book have you read recently that you would recommend to others?
- Are there any current events that interest/concern you? And why?
- What are some of the most important lessons you have learned this year – personally or professionally?
- What was your proudest moment this year?
- Who have you been closest to this year – why?
- Who is someone new that you’ve met this year and enjoyed getting to know?
- What has been your favorite TV show or movie this year?
- What music have you enjoyed recently?
- Who do you think has had the biggest impact on the world this year – why?
- If you could change one thing about this year, what would it be?
- What travel plans do you have for next year?
- What are your hopes and dreams for the coming year?
- What do you hope to achieve in the next year?
- What things are you grateful for that have nothing to do with people or material possessions?
- Are there any old relationships that you’ve grown apart from this past year and why?
- What were some of the biggest changes or events in your life in the past year?
- How has your self-image changed in the past year?
- How has your view of the world changed this past year?
- How has your relationship with family and friends changed or grown this year?
- What was your favorite memory from childhood Thanksgiving?
- What is your favorite Thanksgiving meal?
- Do you have a funny or embarrassing Thanksgiving story?
- Are there any new additions to your family this year? (Engagements, babies, pets, etc.)
- Who cooks the most in your family every thanksgiving, and what is their signature dish?
- Does your family have any unique traditions on Thanksgiving day?
- If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
- Tell us about your work/school – what do you do every day?
- Which people you knew recently that you admire and why?
- Is there a hobby you’ve been wanting to do for some time? Why have you not started it yet?
- What things are you grateful for that you often take for granted?
- Who are you thankful for that you do not get to see very often?
- How can we show more gratitude in our daily lives?
- What things are you thankful for that money can not buy?
- How can we show our gratitude all year round, not just on Thanksgiving Day?
- How can we be more grateful for what we have and focus less on what we do not have?
- Why do you think it’s important to show gratitude?
- How can we show others how grateful we are for them?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real purpose of Thanksgiving?
The real purpose of Thanksgiving is to come together as a community and give thanks for the blessings we have received. It is a time to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and to celebrate our shared traditions and culture. Thanksgiving is also a time for families to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
What is the most important part of Thanksgiving?
The most important part of Thanksgiving is spending time with family and friends. It is a time to reflect on all the good things that have happened in the past year and look forward to the new year. It is a time for loved ones to come together to share a meal, make memories, and laugh.
What values can we learn from Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is also a time when we reflect on the values of gratitude, humility, and kindness. These values can be lived throughout the year, but are especially important during Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful for what we have, even when times are difficult. It also reminds us to be humble and kind, even when we feel like we are the only ones who matter. These values can help us live happier and more meaningful lives.
Conclusion
No matter what topics come up in your conversations, Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate all that we have in our lives. We hope these questions help create meaningful discussions and fun memories around the dinner table!
