You probably know (or might have guessed) that 28 is my favorite number—hence these monthly lists. You might not know that October is my favorite month. (Is it yours too? I would assume that it ranks high on the list of most popular months.) For this October edition of 28 Things, I’m rounding out a trio of favorites with one of my favorite topics: QUESTIONS. I love answering them, but I ESPECIALLY love asking them.
Autumn (plus a little Christmas) is our theme for these questions that are perfect as ice breakers at your next friend/family gathering. Many of these questions are lighthearted, but some go deeper; read your audience, then read off a question and let the conversation begin. And if you’re not up for bringing these questions to the dinner table, how about bringing them to your journal instead? Many of these would make excellent journal prompts.
1. What is something you are most looking forward to between now and the end of the year?
2. Do you have any traditions around Halloween? If not, what are some you might want to begin this year?
3. What Halloween candy do you claim as your “parent tax” from your kids’ Trick-or-Treat bucket? (I’m not the only one who does this, right?)
4. What is the worst Halloween candy (and why is it black licorice)?
5. What is your stance on spooky Halloween decorations?
6. Pumpkin Spice everything: yay or nay?
7. What has been your favorite Halloween costume?
8. If you have mixed feelings around Halloween (as many Christians—myself included—do), how might your redeem portions of this holiday?
9. Have you ever celebrated All Saints Day? What did that celebration entail?
10. What are your thoughts on Daylight Savings Time? Should a law be passed to make it permanent?
11. Do you do anything to celebrate veterans on Veteran’s Day?
12. Do you engage in any service activities around Thanksgiving or Christmas? Is there a new service opportunity you could participate in this year?
13. Have you ever baked a pumpkin pie from scratch (including pie crust and cooking your own pumpkin)?
14. Are there any seasonal picture books from your childhood that you would like to introduce to your own children (or simply revisit yourself)?
15. Are you grateful for anything this Thanksgiving (friendships, new home, a baby, career change, etc.) that was not even on your radar at this time last year?
16. Have you ever attended the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade? Would you want to?
17. Imagine the perfect Thanksgiving table: who would be present? What would you serve? Where would you gather?
18. If you could relive any Thanksgiving from your past, which one would it be?
19. What is one Thanksgiving side that you would be happy never to see again?
20. What is one thing you hope is definitely NOT discussed around your Thanksgiving table this year?
21. My Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without _______.
22. When is it appropriate to begin listening to Christmas music?
23. What is your approach to Christmas presents? Do you set a budget? Draw names for a Secret Santa-style gift exchange? Allot the same number of gifts to each family member?
24. What is the most meaningful Christmas present you have ever given or received?
25. Are there any Christmas movies that you MUST watch every December?
26. Do you have any longstanding Christmas traditions that you are ready to retire?
27. Do you have any Advent traditions in your family? Which are the most meaningful?
28. Do you send out a family Christmas card each year? When do you send it?
Feel free to answer one (or 28) of these questions in the comments; as always, I’d love to hear from you!
