There are a number of ways to seed conversations and avoid having impeachment hearings, football scores or Aunt Matilda’s sciatica take center stage during your holiday meal. To generate topics that appeal to everyone and to insure lively discussions ask guests to jot down on a piece of paper a question they would like discussed other than health, politics or sports. Put suggestions in a bowl or hat and circulate during dinner. Take turns choosing a paper from the container and reading what it says aloud. Go around the table asking everyone to comment on the subject.
Some of the suggested topics that made the rounds at my dinner parties were, “What’s the most enjoyable trip you’ve ever taken? When was the first time you were kissed? Do you believe in ESP? When did your family immigrate to the U.S.? What’s the worst (or best) thing you ever did in elementary school?” I never had anyone get sleepy-eyed after dinner or heard them complain about participating. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your friends and family better.
When you feel like stretching rather than stay seated, try a more physically active parlor game. They can also stimulate conversation and and create good feelings.
Human Sculpting (Four or more participants) This is a nonverbal activity. The host or hostess selects one or two people to stand aside. One is designated the pointer and the second the observer. A piece of tape, paper or object is put in the middle of the floor to indicate the center of the sculpture. The remaining people stand or sit in a circle a distance from the center until called.
The pointer selects a person to go to the center and strike a pose. The pointer then selects the next person, continuing on until all have added their bodies to the sculpture. The choice of whether to touch another person or not is up to them. When complete, the observer (with assistance from the pointer) gives the sculpture a title and the two describe the relationships they see between players. (Who is posed next to whom? Are they intertwined or distant? Do they look comfortable, trusting, ridged or clownish? that sort of thing.) —Take a photo. It will be good for laughs for years to come.
The activity can be repeated with variations, such as having people make a noise as they approach the sculpture to join it (helps to be more spontaneous about positioning). As a person adds his or her body to the sculpture invite them to say who or what they are.“I’m a butterfly landing gently on your big toe.” or” I’m the wind and will blow your butterfly away.” These statements help create a shared story.
“What Are You Doing? (Five or more participants) Everyone stands in a circle; one person starts by miming an activity (e.g., brushing their teeth), the person standing next to them asks “ Jennifer (Name of person)) what are you doing”? Jennifer responds by saying she is doing something completely different from what she is acting out (e.g., fishing). This next person now begins acting out fishing, and the person next to them asks them what are they doing. This process continues around the circle several times; it often takes at least one go-around for everyone to get on board as to how it all works.
If you’re concerned about people suggesting inappropriate activities, establish rules (or set them up in advance )— like no bathroom or sex talk. This game can lead to a discussion of how people’s actions don’t always match their word. When the game is over share true occurrences from your lives. My father told me of the time he put on a record of a violinist so his mother would think he was practicing his violin. Instead he crawled out his bedroom window to play baseball. Instead he crawled out a window to play baseball. Of course he was caught since records didn’t play for very long in those days. When I was twelve I got into a towel fight with my brother while washing dishes. My acting must have been stellar, for I pretended being hurt and got out of going to Hebrew school. What are you Doing, is a great game to play for getting at the truth with laughs and bonding.
Whatever you do, no matter where you are, smile and be thankful. Have a happy, tasteful Thanksgiving.
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Art is always for sale, Contact me at marilynne@eichingerfineart.com
Friends and Family is 20” x 12” deep canvas Acrylic painting . $ 299 – We need to cherish and care for those who are close to us. There will come a time when they need our help or we need theirs.
