As Thanksgiving approaches, many individuals are preparing for family gatherings filled with joy and laughter. However, certain behaviors can quickly lead to a guest being uninvited or even expelled from dinner festivities. Here’s a look at how politics, overdrinking, and etiquette might affect your Thanksgiving celebration.
Thanksgiving Travel Trends
The holiday season is set to be one of the busiest times for travel in the United States. According to data from AAA, nearly 80 million people traveled over 50 miles during the Thanksgiving period last year. Among these travelers, approximately 5.8 million flew to their destinations, while more than 71 million drove.
Behavioral No-Nos at Thanksgiving Dinner
Despite the anticipation of holiday get-togethers, inappropriate behavior can lead to unwanted consequences for guests. Here are some key points gathered from discussions with local residents and tourists:
- Political Discussions: Bringing politics into conversation can disrupt the festive spirit. Many host families prefer to avoid political drama entirely.
- Food Commentary: Negative remarks about the meal or serving delays can irritate hosts. Complaints about the food being late can result in immediate dismissal.
- Alcohol Consumption: While some guests desire a boisterous celebration with drinks, overindulgence can lead to ejection from the party. Hosts have different tolerance levels for alcohol-related behavior.
- House Etiquette: Practicalities, such as not flushing toilets or placing shoes on couches, can quickly earn a guest the unfriendly label of being ‘uninvited.’
Insights from Thanksgiving Hosts
Local hosts shared some humorous yet serious perspectives on the behaviors that could lead to expulsion:
- Megan Lyle, a Baltimore local, expressed how political debates could get someone kicked out.
- Meghan, preparing to host Thanksgiving in Portland, highlighted that remarks about dog hair could result in a swift exit.
- Lauren O’Connor and her friends stressed that any complaints about food would not be tolerated.
- Ray Wallace warned that excessive drinking could spoil the holiday and lead to a guest’s dismissal.
- More humorously, J.J., a South African now living in Virginia, illustrated how failing to flush could be a shocking breach of etiquette.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration, but it is essential for guests to respect hosts and the overall festive atmosphere. Navigating conversations, alcohol consumption, and house rules with care can ensure a joyous occasion for everyone involved.
