30 Questions to Ask Around the Christmas Dinner Table

Our everyday lives are so busy that I find it increasingly important that we use the time we have with our families strategically. Holidays are times that we can really slow down and enjoy being with each other.

However, on Christmas, it’s not unusual for things like presents and baking to commandeer our focus away from family and celebrating the birth of Jesus. This is why my family is intentional about remembering the true meaning of the holiday. One way we do this is by using the Jesse Tree Advent tradition. This helps us celebrate Jesus’ birth, but I’d also like for us to do something that helps us have meaningful interactions as a family. Thus, I’m introducing a set of questions for us to discuss around the Christmas dinner table. Like their Thanksgiving and Easter counterparts, I’m hoping these questions will help us have meaningful conversations with each other.

Thought-provoking questions to ask during Christmas dinner

I’ve compiled 30 questions to ask around the Christmas dinner table. I have listed these below and I’ve placed the questions in a convenient printable. You can print the questions on regular paper and cut them out or you can print them onto sheets of business cards (use Avery 5881, 8373, 8869, 88220, or 88221) and tear these sheets at the perforations (each question will be on a 2 x 3.5 inch card).

(Click on the image to download a copy of the cards that you can edit in MS Word. If you prefer the cards in PDF format, then click here.)

• What one thing do you need for it to feel like Christmas?
• What is the best thing that has happened to you since last Christmas?
• If you could start a charity, what would it be?
• What is your most memorable gift-opening moment?
• What is the coolest gift you have ever given someone?
• When you shut your eyes and imagine your “happy place,” where is it?
• What random acts of kindness have you received this year?
• What is your favorite part of Christmas?
• When do you prefer to shop for Christmas gifts: Black Friday, Christmas Eve, throughout December, or throughout the whole year?
• What is your favorite way to serve others during the holidays?
• What is the best compliment you’ve been given this last year?
• What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the coming year?
• What is one unusual tradition or ritual you’d like to make part of your Christmas celebration?
• If you could invent a holiday, what would it be called and what would it celebrate?
• What is one thing you really love to do as a family?
• If you could share Christmas dinner with one famous historical figure, who would you choose?
• What is the biggest struggle in your life right now?
• When was one time this past year that you did the right thing, even when it was difficult?
• What characteristic of someone at the table do you really admire?
• What family member or friend do you wish was with us at the table today?
• What is one way you’ve used your talents to serve others this past year?
• What is your favorite Christmas song and which Christmas song makes you cringe?
• What is your favorite holiday and why is it your favorite?
• What is one ritual that you have in your everyday life that you love?
• What is one question you wish people would ask more often?
• What is one question you wish people would ask less often?
• What are two things you don’t mind spending extra money on?
• What is your favorite Christmas memory?
• What is your favorite family tradition that isn’t related to a holiday?
• What pieces of advice would you pass on to the next generation as they establish their own Christmas traditions?

Many of these questions aren’t specific to Christmas. Therefore, you can use them at other holidays or at any other family gathering! I’ve left a couple of blank cards on the printable, so you can add personalized questions. If you’re not sure these cards are what you want to use around the Christmas table, it’s okay! There are many other engaging and fun alternatives, including TableTopics Family Gathering, assorted Christmas Party Games, Christmas Fun Mad Libs, and the Christmas Categories Party Game.

If you do want to use these cards, then here are a couple of ways to do so:

• Write a name on each card and use them as place cards.
• Place the cards in a hat. Have each family member draw one and answer the question it contains.
• Choose one of the questions. Go around the table and have each family member answer it.
• Read one question at breakfast during each day in December. Discuss your answers over dinner each night.

I’m sure you can come up with some unique ways to benefit from the questions! I hope you enjoy the opportunity to learn more about your loved ones.

What questions would you add? What does your family discuss around the Christmas dinner table?

Shared at the following:

Encouraging Hearts and Home, Over the Moon, and Busy Monday.