By Charlie McCarthy | Wednesday, December 24, 2025
A recent poll indicates that despite ongoing political turmoil and election aftermaths, many Americans are eager to keep holiday gatherings centered on family rather than partisan debates.
The survey reveals that the season generally sparks more positive emotions than negative ones, with respondents expressing happiness and gratitude. While gifts and decorations hold significance, a majority of Americans cite spending time with loved ones as their favorite holiday tradition.
When families gather, most anticipate discussing personal updates and sharing stories about their lives rather than diving into current events or political conflicts. The conversation topics favored include health, news, entertainment, sports—though politics remains less prominent.
This trend cuts across political affiliations. Democrats, Republicans, and independents all report a preference for family-centered discussions over politics, though nearly half of each group acknowledges that political topics might arise at some point.
An earlier study highlighted similar findings: Americans are increasingly preparing conversation strategies to avoid awkward exchanges. Half of respondents described creating a plan for navigating sensitive subjects, with many preferring to sit at the children’s table rather than risk heated discussions—particularly among Millennials.
The most frequently avoided topics include politics (42%), finances (28%), and comments about appearance or weight (26%). Common concerns that trigger holiday tension include questions like “Who did you vote for?” and “Can I borrow money?”
Food and wine, social activities, travel plans, hobbies, and health emerge as preferred conversation starters. Some families even engage in lighthearted debates, such as whether it’s acceptable to chill red wine or add ice.
