How to Turn Small Talk into BIG Memories

Life is full of chaotic moments, especially around the holidays or any family gatherings. But the great thing about this time of year is that you have family around to make it all worth it. (And the food makes it worth it, too!)

Small talk – a great way to make big memories

So, grab your son or daughter and take them to the store with you. Use the car time to chat about their favorite family tradition. While you’re cooking (if not too stressed), ask your spouse to talk about their most significant life accomplishment. At the dinner table, please turn off the iPads, electronic devices, and smartphones and encourage family and friends to share their most embarrassing childhood nicknames.

Make it fun! The right questions make all the difference. Be intentional with how you steer your conversations this season and discover new reasons to be thankful for the people you love.

Here are 17 topics to get you started:

1. Who were you named after? Share a little bit about that person.
2. What’s the most profound lesson someone taught you?
3. What’s your favorite U.S. town or city, and why?
4. Where would you go and why if someone gave you a free plane ticket to anywhere?
5. What’s your favorite quote? What does it mean to you?
6. What’s a family tradition you look forward to every year?
7. If someone gave you a $1,000 gift card, what store would it be for, and what would you buy?
8. What’s the first book/movie you ever remember reading/seeing?
9. Embarrass a family member with a funny story from their childhood (like goofy nicknames).
10. What life accomplishment are you most proud of?
11. What’s the most unfortunate thing you ever spent money on?
12. What do you most admire about each person at the table?
13. If you could drive any car you wanted, what would it be and why?
14. What’s the worst job you ever had? Why?
15. Above all, what are you most thankful for and why?
16. If you feel comfortable, describe your faith journey.
17. If you could know for sure you could go to heaven, would you like to know?

The best part of this exercise is that you might lead someone to Christ, and you’ll probably get on a roll and start making up fun questions of your own! You’ll leave your gathering knowing new things about your family and old friends. How cool is that?

Challenge your family to be open, honest, and playful. Small talk is a great way to make big memories.