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.
FAQs
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
- Know Your Table. Ninty percent of not stepping on a landmine is knowing where the landmine is. ...
- Set Rules. ...
- Don't Take the Bait. ...
- De-Escalate. ...
- Set Up a Safe Space for Hot Topics. ...
- Remember: You Love These People. ...
- All That Being Said…
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.
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.
Should you not eat before Thanksgiving? ›
What is your feedback? Fasting constricts the stomach, leaving less space for food. Dietitians suggest sticking to your regular meal schedule, but don't eat four to six hours before the main event. Yogurt or nuts are a good snack before Thanksgiving dinner to help get your metabolism working right.
How do you not eat a lot on Thanksgiving? ›
Focus on taking smaller portions of each item so your plate doesn't turn into Thanksgiving Mountain. And after you're done eating, give yourself 10 minutes before going back for seconds. This will allow your body to recognize what you have eaten and you can more easily decide if you are really hungry for more.
What is the rule for Thanksgiving? ›
The House agreed to the amendment, and President Roosevelt signed the resolution on December 26, 1941, thus establishing the fourth Thursday in November as the Federal Thanksgiving Day holiday. H.J.
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.
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.
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.
How to avoid family drama at Thanksgiving? ›
Change the Subject: When things get tense, be the hero who brings up a neutral topic. “So, who's seen any good movies lately?” can be a lifesaver. Practice Gratitude: Remember, it's Thanksgiving. Focusing on what you're thankful for can sometimes put the drama into perspective.
Why do I feel sick after Thanksgiving? ›
Foods that are high in fat (cheesy, butter-soaked potatoes) and fiber (brussels sprouts, peas) take longer to digest than carbohydrates, so loading your plate with too many of them can lead to stomach pain or nausea.
Is it okay to eat a lot on Thanksgiving? ›
"It is absolutely no big deal," she says. "I can promise one day of more indulgent eating is not going to result in lasting weight gain (or) derail any progress that you've made."
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.
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? ›
Thank them for the invitation. Just say you must decline and you don't need to provide a reason. If you have a reason like a conflict, share if they ask and you are comfortable. If not, just say it is for personal reasons and repeat that though you appreciate the invitation, you must sadly decline.
