Friendly Conversation Starters for Christmas Dinner

Christmas often means getting together with family and friends and having long talks over Christmas dinner. If those sitting at the table don't agree on certain things, that could make for some contentious Christmas dinner conversations, which isn't very festive or in the spirit of the holiday. So, it's a good idea to be proactive and start thinking about what to talk about over Christmas with those in your family who perhaps don't share your same views. Christmas Dinner Conversation Starters Be Prepared First and foremost, be prepared ahead of your holiday dinner experience with some topics that you know your family would enjoy. Psychology Today's Christine L. Carter Ph.D. has a variety of holiday dinner conversation starters ready for when the big day arrives. She also has separate conversation starters for kids and adults. One great question from Carter is, "What is the best thing that your grandparents ever cooked? What about your parents?" Everyone loves food, so talk about food is a fantastic way to bond. Another good one is, "Which family member has been your greatest coach in life? How have they coached you?" Focusing on some of the positive things people in the family have done for each other can bring a very thankful vibe to Christmas dinner. Be Silly When people start to veer off into political chatter, try to bring it back and be light and airy. It's okay to get a little silly and make people laugh. Christmas is supposed to be an enjoyable holiday, so lighten up and get the family to laugh together. Talk Christmas It's Christmas, so why not talk about Christmas? One great holiday conversation starter is, What's your favorite holiday tradition? Another one: Do you have a favorite festive movie? Also, who's the most difficult person in the family for which to get a gift? What's your favorite holiday treat or dish? What's your ideal holiday weekend? What's your favorite ornament? Keep all of those questions handy. Ask Open-Ended Questions Waters Edge suggests asking open-ended questions that allows the person talking to basically take the answer wherever they want it to go. "This general open-ended question gives the other person permission to talk about whatever they want — holidays, new goals in the work place, their hope to start a family, or their plans to travel," they state. They also suggest asking, "What surprised you about this year?" They say this is an "out of the box question that is sure to get the wheels turning in their head."