Master the art of holiday conversation
Holiday songs tell us we should feel joy and peace, laughter and love as we gather together with good people everywhere. But, sometimes it's awkward to start a conversation. Whether a person is hovering close behind you at the market or you're with family in your own living room, the holidays just seem to bring out that, "I feel like I should say something" feeling.
Here are some conversation starters to add a little cheer to the holidays (hint: they don't include weather or football).
While you're out and about:
The following is a good lead-in to a light and brief, but friendly conversation. Flash a genuine smile and say, "Looks like we'll be in line for a few minutes…"
- Do you have a favorite food your family enjoys at the holidays? (Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, etc.)
- Are you looking forward to something special this season?
- It looks like you're hosting a gathering for the holidays (this is an obvious one if they have a cart full of food)
- Shopping has been pretty fun for me, despite what the news says. How about you?
Even if somebody gives you a Grinch-like retort, at least they will feel that little nudge of something special because someone smiled and asked them something about themselves. There is great love and power in a genuine smile.
While gathered with family:
Find someone who is looking a little tired or lonely. Smile, look her in the eyes, and perhaps reach out and touch a hand or offer a light shoulder rub, and ask something that will require more than a yes or no answer.
- What's your favorite part of the holidays?
- What are you looking forward to next year?
- How is the holiday celebrated different from what you remember as a kid?
- Who do you wish could be here with us?
- If you were in charge of holiday celebrating, what would it look like?
Whether you are with a stranger for a few minutes or with a variety of people for an extended time, a memorable conversation is within your reach. Asking questions that are more personal makes others feel loved and that their opinions matter. This is especially true of the very young and the very old, who tend to be unintentionally left out during the hustle and bustle of the celebrations. So let's cheer things up and honor one another this season with a little light-hearted conversation.
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