What to discuss instead of “politics” this Thanksgiving Season

By ​Sara Fraser

​Your parents told you to leave the political conversation at home this Thanksgiving, so what’s left to say? Strengthen your talk over the turkey with these quick, fun conversation starters.

Picture this: you and your random assortment of distant family members are sitting around the Thanksgiving table. As you reach for the last scoop of mashed potatoes, your aunt glares at you and says “do you really need that?” Embarrassed and uncomfortable, you need a lighthearted topic to change the awkward mood, and you need it fast. I give you a template for this exact situation. My tip, stare your great-aunt in the eyes and merely and ask …
“So...how do you feel about (insert topic here)?”

(if your aunt is young and hip)
Pete Davidson and Ariana Grande
Crocs™
the controversial Tofurkey™
purposefully ripped jeans
the fact that the new season of “Riverdale” got even more ridiculous

(if your aunt is an SMS alum or parent)
SMS construction
Black Friday
the lack of recycling at SMS


(if your aunt is super concerned about your future)
College admissions
the ACT
ever dwindling social security funds
The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

(the rest of these work for any relative)
Money
Christmas
Puppies
Trader Joe’s
Penny Hardaway