How to Make Conversation Over Holiday Dinner

Navigating the dinner table with friends and family during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or New Year's holidays can be as treacherous as skipping through a mine field--unless you follow some common sense.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A holiday dinner to attend

1. 

   Ask Open Ended Questions
   Instead of "how are you?" ask specific questions that allow the other person to expound on the thought. Ask: "How have things been at work since I last saw you?" or "What do you do outside of school/work that keeps you active?"

2. 

   Ask About Family Traditions
   This is an especially rich conversation area around the holidays, especially if you haven't heard all the old tales from your family. My family is Polish and has some favorite rituals they performed during the Christmas season in the olden days.

3. 

   Bring Up Recent Movies
   Everyone has seen a movie recently and would be happy to talk about it. Even the kiddies.

4. 

   Ask About Music
   What's on your iPod?

5. 

   Prepare Answers to Pat Questions
   If you are asked "How are you?" avoid the one word trap. Answer with some colorful activity or event that engaged you recently.

6. 

   Be Positive and Complement the Hostess
   Never be critical of what's served.

Tips & Warnings

• Accentuate the positive
• Use open ended questions
• Don't get personal about such things as when the person is getting married or serious health related issues, unless you genuinely need or want to know.
• Don't broach taboo subjects such as sex or hygiene.

[parvenue]

on 12/25/2007 good tips. I say, stay away from any corners in the room. Nothing is worse then getting stuck in the corner with an energy sucker. Happy Holidays and thanks again!