(Podcast length - 4:26 mins)
We all have this idyllic vision of our family holiday with chestnuts roasting on an open fire while drinking eggnog and laughing in our Christmas sweaters. Now let’s be honest; that only happens in the movies. When things take an awkward turn, here are a few ways to redirect the conversation to safer ground.
WHEN anyone starts talking POLITICS, all you want to do is run.
Hold your horses; there's a way to deflect into safer conversational waters. You could make a joke about politics being controversial and then dive into something non-confrontational – random acts of kindness. NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal is known for his random acts of kindness. From buying an engagement ring for a fellow customer at a jewelry store to purchasing shoes for a 13-year-old boy with size 18 feet to a new car and food for a family in need, may Shaq's generosity inspire us all this holiday season to do more good.
The holidays are a time of year to give, and no one gives more than these five athletes who give back to their community in a big way.
AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU'RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT
They must be passionate about something – pets, travel, stamp collection, or not having to work on Christmas. Christmas Day is usually a coveted day for NBA teams to take the court, but this year, they're being overshadowed by the NFL. The empire that is the NFL has a tripleheader planned for Christmas Day. If you're staying up late waiting for Santa, you can catch a game on Christmas Eve. EGGNOG AND ENDZONES
YOU WERE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, BUT NOW THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ADVIL IN THE WORLD TO STOP YOUR HANGOVER.
You can thank athletes like Danica Patrick for that infamous "one last glass." The retired racecar driver has gone from breaking the glass ceiling in racing to wine. One might say her career drove her to drink, but she's accomplishing a dream in retirement. No, really. Her Napa Valley vineyard Somnium means "dream" in Latin.
From wine to tequila, here are more athletes you can thank for your next hangover.
WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR
Be a good sport because it could be worse. It's bowl game season, and the winning coach of the Duke Mayo Bowl will get mayonnaise dumped on his head instead of the traditional Gatorade. After a flub last year that resulted in a near concussion, the bowl game has hired official "Mayo Dumpers."
If you need New Year's plans, the top four teams in the country (in ranking order – Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State) will take the field on New Year's Eve in the College Football Playoffs. The two winners will play for the national championship on January 9.
For more on what you need to know for bowl game season, check out our "Five Things You Need To Know About Bowl Game Season."
No matter how hard you try, your sibling always upstages your gift with your nieces and nephews.
Do you know who is good at epic gifts? Athletes. Like Trevor Siemian. The Chicago Bears QB, Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket.
Need last-minute gift ideas? These athletes deserve a championship trophy for the well-thought-out gifts to their teammates and loved ones. READ
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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