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The holidays have a way of bringing us together – around food, laughter, stories and maybe even too many casseroles (or pie!). But during a frantic season of noise and activity, one of the easiest ways to add meaning to table gatherings is to slow down and ask thoughtful questions; the kind of questions that help you connect, show you care and keep the conversation flowing!
Whether you’re gathered around the dinner table, sitting beside a friend at a party, or driving through Arkansas on a holiday road trip, conversation has the power to turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.
The Power of Conversation
Asking questions fosters connection. It demonstrates curiosity, kindness and care, reminding us that everyone around us has stories worth hearing.
A thoughtful question can draw out a laugh from the quietest person at the table or spark a story you’ve never heard before. The more we ask, the more we discover that the people we love most still have something new to share.
This season, as you share food and traditions, take time to share words too. Let curiosity replace small talk. Ask about favorite memories, lessons learned or simple joys. Whether you’re with your family, co-workers or your oldest friends, one good question can spark a connection that lasts long after the leftovers are gone.
Family Conversation Connections
Questions to Catch Up
Light and easy questions that get everyone talking and laughing.
- What’s something new you’ve learned or tried this year?
- If your year had a theme song, what would it be?
- What’s been your favorite meal, trip, or simple joy from this year?
- What’s a show, book, or podcast you’ve loved lately that others should check out?
- What’s the most “Arkansas” thing you’ve done this year?
- If we handed out a “Family Awards” tonight, what titles would you pass out?
- What hobby or interest have you picked up recently?
- What’s a new local place you’ve discovered that everyone should visit?
- Who’s grown or changed the most since last holiday season?
- What’s something you’re looking forward to doing before this year ends?
Questions to Remember
Gentle, thoughtful questions that open the door for reflection, storytelling and gratitude.
- What’s a small moment from this year that you’ll always remember?
- Who in our family has influenced you the most this year and how?
- What family tradition means the most to you and why?
- What’s a lesson you’ve learned this year that you want to carry into the next?
- Who do you wish could be at the table with us today?
- What memory from your childhood holidays stands out the most?
- What does “home” mean to you during the holidays?
- What’s a way someone in our family has shown you kindness this year?
- What are you most grateful for right now?
- If you could bottle one feeling from today, what would it be?
Questions to Connect
Conversation starters that help generations share stories, bridge perspectives and create new memories together.
- What’s something our family should make a new tradition next year?
- What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone younger than you at the table?
- What’s a skill, recipe, or story you hope gets passed down in our family?
- What do you love most about the place you live (or where you grew up)?
- What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to learn from someone in this room?
- What’s something that makes you proud to be part of this family?
- If we could plan a family trip anywhere in Arkansas, where would we go and why?
- What’s one way we could serve or help others together as a family next year?
- How do you hope people remember this season in your life?
- What’s one word you’d use to describe our family this year?
Holiday Conversation Starters for Friends
Ice Breakers & Just-for-Fun
Light, quick questions that get people laughing and sharing – perfect for office parties, small groups or casual gatherings.
- What’s your go-to holiday movie or TV episode to rewatch every year?
- What song would you add to the ultimate holiday playlist?
- If you had to eat only one holiday food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
- Would you rather have your lights perfectly straight or your cookies perfectly decorated?
- If you suddenly had a week off in December, how would you spend it?
- What’s the most memorable holiday gift you’ve ever received (or given)?
- What’s a holiday tradition you’ve made your own?
- Are you an early shopper or a last-minute wrapper?
- Who would you pick to play you in a Christmas movie about your life?
- Hot cocoa, coffee or cider? And what’s your signature mug?
It’s Been a While / Catching Up
Perfect for reconnecting with neighbors, co-workers, or old friends you haven’t seen in a while.
- What’s something you’ve been up to lately that’s made you happy?
- What’s a hobby or routine that’s recently become part of your life?
- What’s a show, podcast, or book you’d recommend right now?
- Have you traveled anywhere new or discovered a great local spot this year?
- What’s something you’ve learned about yourself this year?
- What does a “perfect weekend” look like for you these days?
- What’s one good thing that’s happened this season that you’re grateful for?
- What’s a simple pleasure that’s made life better lately?
- What’s something you’re excited to do before the end of the year?
- What’s the most “you” thing that’s happened this year (the story that sums up your year in one laugh)?
“We Go Way Back” / Old Friends
These spark deeper reflection, shared stories, and nostalgic laughter with the people who’ve known you the longest.
- What’s your favorite memory of us from the “old days”?
- Can you remember what we did the first time we met or hung out?
- What do you miss most about the season of life when we first met?
- How have we changed the most since we first met? What has stayed the same?
- What’s something you’ve learned since then that you wish we’d known back in the day?
- What’s a song or smell that instantly takes you back to a time we shared?
- What’s one inside joke or memory that still makes you laugh every time?
- What’s something you admire about how your friends have grown over the years?
- If we could plan a reunion trip anywhere, where would we go?
- How have your friendships influenced who you are today?
10 Questions to Ask Your Kids on a Holiday Road Trip
Great conversations don’t always take place at the dinner table; sometimes they happen during gas stops and snack breaks. Long drives to visit family, friends, or charming towns are some of the most meaningful moments of connection.
Set aside “no devices” time when you’re in the car together. What do you notice outside your window, and how might it spark a conversation? Do you have a memory connected to the towns you’re passing through? What did you enjoy most about traveling to see family as a kid?
These 10 simple, road trip–friendly questions are a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive all the way home – whether your passengers are in elementary school or visiting from college.
- If our family were a holiday movie, what would the title be? And who would play each of us?
- What’s your favorite holiday treat and who makes it best?
- If you could invite any three people to Christmas dinner (real or fictional), who would you choose? What would be on the menu?
- What’s one thing you’re grateful for this year that you didn’t see coming?
- What’s your favorite part of our family holidays? Is there anything you’d change if you could?
- If you could plan the whole trip, where would we stop and what would we do first?
- What’s a Christmas (or winter) memory that always makes you smile?
- What’s a family tradition you’d never want to skip, even when you’re an adult?
- What’s something you hope we’ll all remember about this season?
- What’s something new you want to try, learn, or see before next holiday season?
No matter who fills the chairs around your table (or in your car) this season, take the time to truly listen. Ask questions, stay patient for the answers and let the stories unfold. Conversation is one of the true gifts of the holidays; fill it with gratitude, laughter and connection this season.
Images throughout the story were used with permission from the Arkansas Departments of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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