When I was growing up, I was taught not to talk about politics or religion with strangers. The idea was simple: avoid conflict, keep the peace. There’s some wisdom in that advice, especially during the holidays. After all, Christmas and the holiday season is about togetherness, not division.
Even now, I encourage people to connect over shared interests, hobbies, and passions rather than diving straight into the polarizing issues of the day. Shared interests are powerful; they remind us of the humanity in each other and help us build bonds that make our differences feel small.
But ignoring politics and religion altogether isn’t the answer either. These topics matter deeply, and they shape our lives. Instead of avoiding them, we should teach people, especially children, how to engage with these topics thoughtfully. Thoughtful conversations require curiosity, a willingness to ask questions, and a mindset open to learning. They also require the humility to recognize that we aren’t always right.
This lesson has become even more important to me now that I’m a father. My son is about to turn 11-months old, and this Christmas will be his first.
As I watch him discover the world, I’ve noticed how curious he is about everything—especially food. He’s learning to eat on his own, and every new bite is an adventure. He examines his food, tastes it carefully, and reacts with wonder (and occasionally hilarious disgust). His approach is a reminder of how we should approach new ideas – with curiosity and courage, not fear or defensiveness.
Unfortunately, many of us have lost that sense of wonder. Too often, political conversations at holiday tables devolve into shouting matches, or they’re avoided altogether because people fear conflict.
But the holiday table can—and should—be a model for open dialogue. Think about it: a family dinner brings together people with wildly different opinions, life experiences, and perspectives. Despite these differences, we gather to share a meal and celebrate what unites us. That’s a beautiful metaphor for how free speech should work.
Free speech isn’t about winning arguments or proving someone wrong. It’s about creating space for everyone to share their perspective. It’s about listening as much as speaking, asking thoughtful questions, and finding common ground. When we approach conversations with the same curiosity my son shows while trying new foods, we’re more likely to understand each other—and maybe even grow in the process.
This holiday season, I challenge you to see the table as more than just a place to eat. See it as a place to connect, learn, and practice the values of free speech. Share stories, ask questions, and most importantly, listen. You might not change anyone’s mind, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to agree on everything; it’s to remember that our shared humanity matters more than our differences.
If we can do that, maybe we’ll find that the best gift we can give each other this Christmas is the freedom to be heard—and the respect to listen.
