Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with family and friends and reflect on gratitude. Whether you’re sitting on a folding chair with your extended family members or spending the day celebrating new traditions with others, we believe that deeper connection can be facilitated through conversation and vulnerability. We’ve gathered a list of thoughtful Thanksgiving questions to ask your family members or friends this holiday season that span generations and experiences.
- Who do you think about when you think about Thanksgiving? What was your relationship with them like? Did they pass anything along to you that you still do today?
- What is your earliest memory of Thanksgiving as a child?
- Do you have any unique family recipes that you always make for Thanksgiving?
- What do you think is unique about your/our Thanksgiving traditions?
- What are the traditions that we’ve been able to connect over?
- What is it about Thanksgiving that fosters connection?
- Has it always been easy for us to connect? If so, why? If not, why?
- How do we connect despite differing opinions and personalities around the Thanksgiving table?
- Are there any games or activities your/our family enjoys after the meal?
- How has Thanksgiving evolved over the years?
- What’s the most unusual Thanksgiving we’ve/you’ve ever had? Describe what happened.
- Is there anything you think everything Thanksgiving has to have?
- What makes the perfect turkey, and who in our/your family/friend group cooks the best bird? How do they make it?
- What are your favorite side dishes and why?
- What’s your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?
- What do you hope your Thanksgivings look like in the future?
- Are there any traditions you really want to pass on/keep?
- Is there a family story that gets told every Thanksgiving? What is it?
- Have you ever spent Thanksgiving in a different country? What was it like?
- Do you have a tradition of volunteering or giving back during Thanksgiving?
- What’s one dish you would never want to see on the Thanksgiving table?
- How do you feel about Black Friday shopping following Thanksgiving?
- How do you create a welcoming environment for guests during the holidays?
- What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned from Thanksgiving gatherings?