30 Questions to Ask Around the Thanksgiving Table

While eating Thanksgiving dinner, many families take time to share about the things for which they are grateful. This is wonderful because it gets everyone thinking about gratitude.

Family members sometimes find themselves repeating the same things over and over again. There’s nothing wrong with this—most of us are genuinely grateful for things like friends, family, jobs, our homes, health, etc. However, there are numerous questions we could ask one another in order to provoke deeper thought and generate meaningful conversations.

Thought-provoking questions to ask during Thanksgiving dinner

I’ve brainstormed 30 questions to ask around the Thanksgiving table. I’ve listed these below and I’ve placed them in a convenient printable. You can print the questions on regular paper and cut them out yourself or you can print them onto sheets of business cards (Avery 5881, 8373, 8869, or 88220) and tear these sheets at the perforations so each question is 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.)

• If you could thank one person (living or dead) for his or her influence on your life, who would you thank?
• What is one thing that you really appreciate about someone at the table?
• What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned this year?
• What are three things that always make you smile?
• What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
• What random acts of kindness have you received this year?
• What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
• What made you laugh the hardest this past year?
• What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the coming year?
• Who is the most grateful person you know?
• What book, article, or blog post are you most grateful for this year?
• What do you appreciate about the change in seasons?
• What is one thing you really love to do as a family?
• What is one unusual tradition or ritual you’d like to make part of your Thanksgiving celebration?
• What is the biggest struggle in your life right now?
• How do you stay focused on gratitude throughout the year?
• Which of your qualities make you a good friend?
• If you could share Thanksgiving dinner with one famous historical figure, who would you choose?
• What song or poem sums up your life over the past year?
• What is the best compliment you’ve been given this last year?
• If you could invent a holiday, what would it be called and what would it celebrate?
• What is your favorite holiday and why is it your favorite?
• When was one time this past year that you did the right thing, even when it was difficult?
• What family member or friend do you wish was with us at the table today?
• What characteristic of someone at the table do you really admire?
• If you could learn a new skill this coming year, what would it be?
• What is your favorite family tradition?
• What is one way you’ve used your talents to serve others this past year?
• What does the term “give thanks” mean to you?
• What pieces of advice would you pass on to the next generation as they establish their own Thanksgiving traditions?

Most of these questions aren’t specific to Thanksgiving (nor is the flourish on the cards). Therefore, they can be used at other holidays or at any other family gathering! I’ve left a couple of blank cards on the printable, so you can add in a few questions of your own.

If you’re not sure these cards are what you want to use around the Thanksgiving table, it’s okay! There are many other engaging and fun alternatives, including TableTopics Gratitude, Gobble Gobble Mad Libs, the Turkey On The Table Thanksgiving Activity, and a variety of Fall Harvest Party Games.

If you do use the cards, there are numerous ways to so. Here are a couple of ideas:

• Add a name to each card and use them as place cards.
• Put the cards in a hat and have each family member draw one and answer the question it contains.
• Choose one or two of the questions and have each family member answer them.
• Read one question at breakfast during each day in November. Discuss your answers over dinner each night.

Get creative and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about your loved ones!

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

Shared at the following:

Tips and Tutorials Link Party, Too Cute Tuesday, Happy Now, Modest Monday, Encouraging Hearts and Home, Busy Monday, and Moments of Hope.