Five topics you should avoid talking about a the Thanksgiving meal (2024)

GHENT, WV (WVNS) — Thanksgiving is here, which is the time families and friends come together to celebrate, catch up with loved ones, and reminisce on old fond memories.

However, Thanksgiving meals can also go awry if topics discussed go down a bad path. This seems to be a trend across a lot at family meals and gatherings. However, there is a chance for future arguments to be avoided if you follow the following tips on which topics should maybe be avoided at Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are five topics that should best be kept to yourself when celebrating the holiday meal.

Religion

Religion is a big topic for people, especially if you do not believe in it. With some religions having different beliefs and values than others, tension can rise when personal input is given. Especially in today’s religious’ climate, maybe concentrating conversation to more inclusive topics that everyone can get behind would be the better option.

Politics

This is a topic that people should absolutely stay away from when eating at the Thanksgiving meal. If you and another guest or family member have opposing views, this can make a heated argument. Politics can be a touchy subject since not everyone is going to agree, especially since politics has become such a divisive subject to many.

Finances and Jobs

Finances can be stressful all year long. This is why many wish to keep this subject private. Not only can talking about finances or the lack of money can lead to heated arguments, but it leads to competition as well. You do not need to be arguing about who has the better job and who makes more money.

Relationships

This topic can lead to a lot of pressure and stress. There will always be that one relationship at the table where parents try to push them to get married, judge them for living together, or asking if they are going to give them grandchildren. Everything will come in time!

Weight

Weight gain or loss is another sensitive issue for some because it can be an issue that is more beyond their control than others. Again, weight can be something everybody deals with year around. There is no point to bring it up on a holiday centered around giving thanks and having a Turkey-centered feast.

Each topic is a sensitive subject for many who deal with them. So, in a holiday surrounded around being thankful for everything and everyone in our lives, it is important to remember exactly that.

Five topics you should avoid talking about a the Thanksgiving meal (2024)

FAQs

Five topics you should avoid talking about a the Thanksgiving meal? ›

Avoid asking people about having kids or getting married

Plenty of people are child-free by choice. Others may be coping with infertility or a recent miscarriage. Either way, even well-intentioned comments such as “It will happen,” “Don't give up” and “Will you try again?” are intrusive and often hurtful.

What not to say at Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Avoid asking people about having kids or getting married

Plenty of people are child-free by choice. Others may be coping with infertility or a recent miscarriage. Either way, even well-intentioned comments such as “It will happen,” “Don't give up” and “Will you try again?” are intrusive and often hurtful.

How to avoid arguments on Thanksgiving? ›

Wellness Wednesday: How to Avoid Arguing at Thanksgiving
  1. Know Your Table. Ninty percent of not stepping on a landmine is knowing where the landmine is. ...
  2. Set Rules. ...
  3. Don't Take the Bait. ...
  4. De-Escalate. ...
  5. Set Up a Safe Space for Hot Topics. ...
  6. Remember: You Love These People. ...
  7. All That Being Said…
Nov 22, 2023

What foods should I avoid on Thanksgiving? ›

Ready-to-eat foods: If you're not eating a freshly cooked Thanksgiving dinner, avoid ready-to-eat meats, canned vegetables, and soups. They are packed with sodium. One cup of creamed corn can contain 700 mg of sodium. Pumpkin pie: You're going to hate us but pumpkin pie is filled with fat, calories and sodium.

What do you talk about on Thanksgiving? ›

Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around tradition, so make it a point to discuss everyone's favorite traditions. Your favorite traditions might include using your grandmother's secret recipe to make stuffing or playing in the annual family football game.

Why not to say Happy Thanksgiving? ›

Another aspect that casts a shadow over the Thanksgiving narrative is the historical context of colonialism. The holiday's origin traces back to the Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a feast, but the broader history reveals the extensive land capture by Americans from indigenous people.

Is Thanksgiving dinner unhealthy? ›

Unless you have a life-threatening chronic health condition, you can sit down at the Thanksgiving table knowing that whatever you eat (and however much of it) is very likely not going to impact your body long-term.

What is the rule for Thanksgiving? ›

On October 6, 1941, the House passed a joint resolution declaring the last Thursday in November to be the legal Thanksgiving Day. The Senate, however, amended the resolution establishing the holiday as the fourth Thursday, which would take into account those years when November has five Thursdays.

What are some controversies surrounding Thanksgiving? ›

Today, when Thanksgiving comes, some Native Americans do not acknowledge the holiday. Many Native Americans observe Thanksgiving as a day of mourning. Over the past 48 years, Native Americans who participated in the national day of mourning used it as an opportunity to honor their deceased relatives.

What is the unhealthiest food for Thanksgiving? ›

Worst: Sausage Stuffing

It's often made with fatty processed meat, butter or margarine, and refined bread or rice. It's a high-calorie food that packs a load of fat, carbs, and nitrates, which are cancer-causing. If you add dried cranberries, there's a good chance they're sweetened and add sugar to your stuffing.

What is the least liked Thanksgiving food? ›

UNDATED (WKRC) - A new poll took the responses of 4,000 people to figure out Americans' least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. According to the poll by Tastes Better from Scratch, green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole were the least-liked Thanksgiving side dishes.

When should you stop eating Thanksgiving food? ›

The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

What is a funny question for Thanksgiving? ›

Would you rather eat Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant or at home? Would you rather take a nap after the meal or watch a football game? Would you rather always smell like turkey or always smell like gravy? Would you rather be in the Thanksgiving Day parade, or be one of the hosts commenting on the parade?

What is a short fact about Thanksgiving? ›

In the fall of 1621, the Pilgrims — early settlers of Plymouth Colony — held a three-day feast to celebrate a bountiful harvest. Many regard this event as the nation's first Thanksgiving.

What was the truth about Thanksgiving? ›

The Europeans repaid their Native allies by seizing Native land and imprisoning, enslaving, and executing Native people. Following “Thanksgiving” celebrations by European settlers often marked brutal victories over Native people, like the Pequot Massacre of 1636 or the beheading of Wampanoag leader Metacom in 1676.

What not to do as a Thanksgiving guest? ›

The Rudest Things You Can Do During Thanksgiving Dinner
  • Not RSVP-ing.
  • Ignoring The Schedule.
  • Bringing Dishes That Require Cooking.
  • Starting Tense Conversations.
  • Prying Into People's Personal Business.
  • Asserting Yourself In The Kitchen Without Being Asked.
  • Not Letting The Host Know About An Allergy Or Dietary Restriction.
Nov 2, 2023

How do you say grace before Thanksgiving dinner? ›

Dear God, we thank You for this meal and for all the hands that helped prepare it. We give You thanks most of all for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Please bless the food we eat, all who are gathered today to share it, and all our loved ones who can't be with us today.

How do you decline Thanksgiving dinner? ›

The proper excuse and decline is by saying “I regret that I am unable to attend, but thank you very much for the invitation and thinking of me. “ thank you so much for your gracious invitation, but I have plans already. Enjoy your holiday!

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