Holiday Gatherings Move Away from Politics as Families Seek Comfort in Conversation

By Charlie McCarthy | Wednesday, 24 December 2025 02:22 PM EST

A new survey reveals politics ranks near the bottom of conversations expected at holiday gatherings this season.

Despite ongoing headlines and election aftermath, many Americans prefer to keep their holiday tables focused on family rather than political disputes.

The survey found the holiday season evokes more positive emotions than negative ones, with respondents reporting feelings of happiness and gratitude.

While gifts and decorations matter, Americans overwhelmingly cite spending time with family and friends as their favorite holiday tradition.

When families gather, most anticipate discussing personal updates and family stories rather than current events or political debates.

Majorities also expect conversations to cover health, news, entertainment, and sports—but politics is far less likely to dominate discussions.

Interestingly, this sentiment holds across party lines. Democrats, Republicans, and independents all indicate a preference for talking about everyday life over politics, though roughly half of each group still anticipates political topics arising at some point.

A separate survey by Talker Research suggests Americans are adopting a “conversation survival” strategy ahead of holiday gatherings. Half of respondents reported planning ways to navigate awkward discussions, and nearly half said they would rather sit at the kids’ table than risk tense exchanges—particularly among Millennials.

The most avoided topics include politics (42%), finances (28%), and comments about appearance or weight (26%).

In other words: No lectures, no interrogations, and no heated partisan fights.

The most dreaded questions include “Who did you vote for?” and “Can I borrow money?”—proof that holiday stress is not always about the food.

Instead, people are seeking safer common ground.

Talker Research found that food and wine top preferred conversation topics, followed by social lives, travel plans, hobbies, and health.

Some families even engage in lighthearted debates—like whether it’s acceptable to chill red wine or add ice—to avoid cultural flashpoints.

From a conservative perspective, Americans are signaling they want a break from the constant politicization of everyday life. For years, corporate media and activists have pushed political conflict into every corner of society, including the dinner table. These surveys suggest many families are choosing connection over confrontation.