Let’s Talk

Thanksgiving conjures up visions of a perfect holiday: a golden turkey, heaping servings of favorite sides, and desserts topped with clouds of whipped cream (yes, the canned kind works just fine!). Add laughter, cherished family traditions, and maybe a Detroit Lions victory, and you’ve got the makings of a holiday that feels straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting or a heartwarming movie.

But let’s be honest — Thanksgiving rarely goes off without a hitch. Sometimes the turkey is dry, the mashed potatoes are a lumpy mess, or someone forgets the sugar in the pumpkin pie. While these kitchen disasters can usually be salvaged (or at least laughed off), the real challenge comes when dinner table conversations take a turn for the worse.

The Dinner Table Minefield

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but some topics have a way of turning festive gatherings into tense affairs. Politics is often the biggest culprit, especially in today’s divisive climate. If you know family members hold opposing views, it’s best to steer clear of political debates, no matter how tempting it may be to share your opinion.

Money is another tricky subject. Conversations about salaries, mortgage payments, or how much someone spent on a vacation can quickly become awkward or even contentious. Religion, too, can be a sensitive topic, especially if you know certain views could spark disagreements.

Then there’s the matter of personal comments. The holidays should be a judgment-free zone, so avoid talking about anyone’s body, diet, or eating habits. Whether someone’s plate is overflowing or they’re sticking to tiny portions, it’s not your business — and pointing it out is guaranteed to spoil the mood.

And don’t forget that it’s not just what you say — your facial expressions can be as powerful as your words. So, if a conversation begins to veer into uncomfortable territory, don’t hesitate to put on your poker face and redirect the discussion toward safer ground. The goal is to keep the holiday spirit alive and leave the potential for drama at the door.

A Conversation Worth Having

Not all serious topics are off-limits, though. In fact, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to discuss something that could benefit everyone at the table: family health history. Since 2004, the U.S. Surgeon General has designated Thanksgiving as National Family Health History Day, encouraging families to talk about health conditions that may run in their genes.

Why is this so important? Family health history is one of the most reliable tools for identifying risk factors for chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. If a close relative has had a chronic condition — especially at a younger-than-usual age — your risk might be higher, too. Armed with this information, healthcare providers can tailor recommendations for screenings, lifestyle changes, and preventive measures to better suit your needs.

To make this easier, the Surgeon General launched the My Family Health Portrait tool in 2005. Today, this free, web-based tool lets you record and organize your family’s health information in one place. It creates a detailed health history “family tree” that you can share with your relatives and doctors. Even if you don’t have a complete picture, sharing what you do know can provide valuable insights.

Making Thanksgiving Meaningful

By turning the holiday into an opportunity to discuss family health history, you’re giving everyone at the table a better chance at a healthier future. After all, Thanksgiving is about more than food and festivities — it’s about taking care of each other in meaningful ways. And this conversation? It’s a gift that can keep giving long after the leftovers are gone.

So, as you gather around the table this year, think beyond the turkey and trimmings. Keep the conversations light and positive, avoiding divisive topics that could lead to tension. Instead, focus on moments that bring you closer — whether it’s reminiscing about favorite memories, planning future family get-togethers, or learning about your shared health history.

So, add a little extra whipped cream (or a lot!) to your dessert and take a moment to reflect on what truly matters.  After all, it’s the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving holiday!

Enjoy the weekend!

Best,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]

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