The Daily Gamecock

How to avoid ruining Thanksgiving dinner this year

A 15-pound turkey should be enough for 10 people. If your guests prefer more breast meat, buy a larger turkey. They generally have more breast meat. (Dreamstime/TNS)
A 15-pound turkey should be enough for 10 people. If your guests prefer more breast meat, buy a larger turkey. They generally have more breast meat. (Dreamstime/TNS)

We all know it's that time of year. Time to celebrate the holidays with your family, watch Christmas movies and eat a whole roll of Toll House cookie dough — or just watch "Elf," it's basically the same idea. But with Thanksgiving bringing together the relatives, some things are better left unsaid. Here are five things to avoid talking about with your family. 

1. The political climate

Everyone has his or her own opinion, and everyone has a right to hold an opinion and to share it. However, when together over a nice warm turkey dinner, starting arguments while passing a bread basket just isn't ideal. Make everyone happy by agreeing that if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Or agree to disagree. Either option works.

2. The Thanksgiving story

The basic story of the Pilgrims in Massachusetts with the Native Americans and Squanto helping celebrate the harvest with the cornucopia filled to the brim is the one we all know and love. Arguing this story with a harsher historical story leaves what should be a joyous holiday kind of sad. Not the right way to kick off the holiday season. 

3. Relationships

We get it. You're in a relationship and that's great. But interjecting your relationship into EVERY single conversation makes Thanksgiving not about family togetherness, just about you and your significant other.

4. Post-graduation plans 

Whether you are in high school or college and are a senior, most likely your graduation isn't until May. If you graduate in December, ignore what you are about to read. May is six months away. A lot can change in six months. Until something is finalized, it's best not to tell the whole family. 

5. Money 

Money is a sensitive topic and because of that, it shouldn't hinder on a holiday get-together. Whether you have a lot of money or if you don't, Thanksgiving is about quality time with family and friends, not about what your money can buy. Leave the Black Friday deals out of the dinner conversation.


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