Should You Ever Complain About the Holiday Meal? Newsweek Offers Readers Pamela Eyring’s Advice to Bring Connection Vs Complaints to This Season’s Holiday Table
In a Newsweek feature about holiday togetherness through gathering around the table, the question arose on how to navigate the experience of guests who may feel unsatisfied with their meal. While the piece entitled, “'Grey's Anatomy' Star Gave Thanksgiving Guests Food Poisoning” highlights the comedic episode when food poisoning at a character’s Thanksgiving table could be a reasonable cause for complaints, actual real-life scenarios in which one may feel the need to complain call for a different set of manners and etiquette towards your hardworking holiday host.
As the article notes:
Other than feeling sick from the food, Thanksgiving guests should never complain about what is served to them during the holidays, according to etiquette experts.
"Complaining about the food, comparing it to other meals, or ignoring efforts made by the host also comes across as disrespectful and unappreciative," said Pamela Eyring, president of the Protocol School of Washington.
But what should you do when you encounter a meal that is cooked in a way that is other than to your liking? Pamela still recommends to mind your manners above all else:
"Think about the Griswald's Christmas Vacation movie when Uncle Eddie's wife overcooks the turkey...and Clark, along with all the other family members, eats it without complaining as the dried turkey skin gets stuck in their throat," she explained.
Given that the holiday table - whether it’s the US tradition of Thanksgiving or any number of the upcoming December and New Year’s holidays - is about connection, it’s important to keep these tips in mind to focus on the true meaning of get-togethers, according to Pamela:
"A Thanksgiving table is a space for gratitude and connection, so practicing active listening, showing genuine interest in others, and keeping the conversation light and inclusive are essential to being a gracious guest. Keep your mindset positive."
If you need more tips on how to maintain a positive and respectful mindset and why it’s important - check out our Holiday Etiquette Survival Guide for 2024!