If there’s one thing you can count on about my family, it’s that we bring you fun. No matter what time of year it is—whether it’s the holidays or we’re just getting together—we’re an easy-going bunch. We are easily entertained and don’t take ourselves too seriously. But we also know we are not the norm, and not all family tables or gatherings are created equal. Sometimes family dynamics can be difficult to adjust for a variety of reasons. Because of this, Thanksgiving can be hard for some people to get excited about. Thankfully, conversation starters exist to keep people focused on interesting things and foster meaningful conversations.
The holidays are approaching and we decided to embrace its true spirit: making connections and showing up with presence and curiosity. The good news is, these Thanksgiving conversation starters work for all gatherings, any time of year. We hope these ideas spark some ideas to fill your family or friends with joy and enthusiasm during this special and sacred season.
How to spark meaningful connections this holiday season
The beauty of a good conversation starter is that it can instantly change the energy of the room. Whether you’re sitting with close family, reconnecting with friends, or meeting a new face for the first time, thoughtful questions can create space for everyone to be seen and heard. This isn’t about asking any groundbreaking questions—sometimes the simplest questions lead to the most meaningful exchanges. A lighthearted “What’s the best meal you’ve had this year?” can spark a conversation that lasts long after the plates have been cleared.
Sometimes, the simplest questions lead to the most meaningful exchanges.
But conversation starters are only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to hosting a seamless Thanksgiving gathering. Creating a warm, inviting environment isn’t just about words at the dinner table, it’s about thoughtful service that makes everyone feel comfortable and cared for. With a little planning, you can create an atmosphere that’s as joyful and meaningful as the conversations you share. Consider exploring one or more of the following ideas.
Support your landlord or find support
Logistics are one of the best gifts you can take away from your hosts. Save the day and ask for “project management” of the holiday party. Want to make it more fun? Choose a co-host. You’re helping to coordinate everything:
- Which guests bring what (drinks, appetizers, sides, desserts, etc.)
- Table decorations or cutlery (if required)
- who curates playlists
- Who helps with invitations, name arrangements, etc.
It’s a huge help when you can count on 1-2 people to participate, and a surefire way to create a great and memorable experience together.
bring games
This is a fun time to get creative. There’s no shortage of playing cards that can spark fun and light conversations at the dinner table, board games that appeal to all ages, or old-fashioned yard games for a backyard setting. I’m from the Midwest, so it’s not unusual to see families playing cornhole before or after a holiday meal. If your family loves football, you can start a friendly betting pool and bet on which team will win, who will sing the national anthem, or how many celebrities you can see in the stands.
Read more: The best game night games that never get boring
Choose a family to spend your vacation with
Our family used to pick out names for our Secret Santa every Thanksgiving, but as we’ve gotten older, we’ve become a family that chooses experiences and travel over gifts. That said, we love giving back, and in the spirit of making someone else’s holiday great, why not choose a family to support the holiday season? Everyone can donate the desired amount, and with the help of organizations like the Salvation Army, they can easily find families or children who can give back during the holidays.
Create new traditions
Over the years, I have been inspired by families starting new traditions. Some ideas to consider as a team:
- Run/walk the local Turkey Trot
- Picking up trash from around the morning lakeside walk
- Volunteer at a shelter
- Send blankets to shelters
- Go to a show, like “The Nutcracker”
- Host a baking or cooking contest (the more pies, the better)
- Take a family photo
- Bake cookies and deliver to hospital
- Make a group video where everyone comes up with their goals for the coming year and watch it during next year’s holiday season
There are endless possibilities for creating new traditions or connecting with family and friends like never before.
50 Thanksgiving Topics to Inspire Meaningful Connections
We don’t think this is a novel or groundbreaking idea, but the pure intention behind asking great questions is profound. If you don’t like prompt question decks, you can make your own decks, ask everyone to contribute and play a role, or simply prepare some of your own. This is especially useful if you are on holiday as a new partner, a guest, or want to get to know your family or friends more intimately.
When a conversation stalls or takes an unexpected turn, it can be helpful to have a few talking points in your back pocket. From gratitude-centered questions to questions that touch on childhood memories or future dreams, these Thanksgiving conversation starters are designed to foster connection without feeling forced. After all, a great holiday isn’t about the perfect meal or perfect decor. It’s about fully participating and making memories with the people gathered around the table.
Thoughtful conversation starters
- What are you most grateful for this year?
- What is one thing you want to accomplish before the end of the year?
- What has been your biggest takeaway or learning this year?
- If you had five minutes to call someone right now, who would you call?
- Is there a place you’ve visited that’s surprised you?
- What do you want your legacy to be?
- What’s one thing you’ve done this year that makes you proud?
- Who has had the biggest impact on your life this year?
- What is a new habit or routine that you have adopted recently?
- What’s one lesson you wish you’d learned sooner?
light-hearted conversation starter
- What’s your Real Housewife slogan?
- What’s the best thing you bought this year?
- What’s something you can’t stop talking about?
- If I gave you $100 right now, what would you do with it?
- How often do you use Amazon/Instacart/Uber Eats?
- What’s the funniest thing that’s happened to you recently?
- What’s the one food you refuse to eat even on Thanksgiving?
- If you could trade your life with a celebrity for a day, who would you choose?
- What song is on your mind right now?
- If your life were a movie, what genre would you choose?
Conversation starter for close friends and family
- What do you think people would say is your best trait?
- What’s one thing on your to-do list that you’ve been putting off?
- What family tradition is most important to you?
- If we could plan a group vacation anywhere in the world, where would we go?
- What’s one thing we should do together more often?
- What’s a hidden talent you’ve never shared?
- If you could relive any moment we spent together, which one would you choose?
- What’s the best advice your family has given you?
- Who makes you laugh the most at the dinner table?
- How do you like to spend quality time with the people you love?
Introspective conversation starters
- What do you wish more people knew about you?
- What’s the hardest decision you’ve made this year?
- How do you deal with stressful situations during the holidays?
- What is your most cherished personal value?
- If you could change one habit, what would it be?
- What motivates you to keep going when the going gets tough?
- How do you recharge when you feel overwhelmed?
- What have you learned about yourself this year?
- If you could sum up this year in one word, what would you say?
- How do you define success for yourself?
fun conversation starters
- If you could invent a holiday, what would you celebrate?
- What’s your favorite karaoke song?
- If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- What superpower do you wish you had?
- If you could teleport anywhere right now, where would you go?
- Which fictional character do you most connect with?
- If you won the lottery tomorrow, what would you do first?
- If you could only wear one thing forever, what would it be?
- Which animal best represents your personality?
- What’s the weirdest dream you’ve ever had?
