Thanksgiving Etiquette: Friends, Family, and Football Rivalry

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and along with turkey and dressing, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and a football game are probably going to be playing at some point in the background. What do you do when you have serious football rivalry issues among family and close friends? How do you survive a meal, the holidays, or even a relationship with people who are on the opposing team? Here are a few football etiquette tips to make the game a little more friendly.

Don’t Make It Personal

Before the game starts, establish some basic ground rules which include no name-calling, slander, and focus on the game—not the people in the room. If someone asks you to dial it down, do it. You may be getting carried away without even knowing it.

Tease but Don’t Taunt

There is a difference. Friendly teasing is a light-hearted exchange, shared among people you feel safe to be funny with, without anyone getting angry or bursting into tears. Taunting has a mean-spirited tone and is meant to hurt, belittle, or humiliate the other person. Teasing has a good-natured slant, while taunting is meant to bruise and hurt.

Compliment the Opponent for a Good Play

Giving the other team a positive word will keep the game civil. If a compliment is deserved, be the hero and acknowledge the move.

Wear Your Team Colors with Pride

There is great pride in the team colors, mascot, and anything that represents your favorite team. The host can decorate with a combination of both colors to keep the mood neutral and fair. If the host is cheering for one of the rivals, it’s still a good idea to include both teams in the decorating.

Your Kids Are Watching

Getting your kids involved in the sporting fun is perfectly fine. Just be careful to teach them how to be a good sport. Showing the opposing team respect, demonstrating how to handle disappointment, and being a good winner or loser shows your child what is positive and appropriate behavior.

Don’t Throw Anything on the Field or at the TV

Regardless of where you are sitting at your next sport outing, don’t toss anything out on the field or at the television when you disagree with the ref about a call. (We could reference Matthew McConaughey who called out Texas fans for throwing objects on the field vs Georgia – or not – your call)

Be Respectful of Those Who Aren’t as Adamant as You

Not everyone is a huge football fan, and if other guests choose to sit in another room and eat dessert, or take a walk, let them be them. You will enjoy the game more when you aren’t worried about what other people are doing.

Take a Time Out to Regroup

If it’s been a frustrating half of the game, use halftime to take a walk, grab a glass of water, close your eyes, and get ready for the second half of the game. Return refreshed and recharged.

It’s All About the Snacks

If you are a guest at someone’s home for the football game, offer to bring snacks to give out throughout the game to lighten the mood. Everything feels better when there are favorite goodies to enjoy.

You may also like Friendsgiving Etiquette and Fall Party Checklist.

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

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