Thanksgiving dinner has always been a time for delicious food, family reunions, and, of course, lively debates. This year, as Bitcoin inches closer to the $100,000 milestone and stories like "Peanut the Squirrel" grabbing 3,000% gains dominate headlines, crypto will likely be on the menu. If you’ve been crowned the family’s go-to “crypto expert,” it’s your time to shine—or at least clarify a few misconceptions.

To kick things off, you may need to address the political baggage that some relatives might associate with Bitcoin. While it’s true that high-profile political figures and their policies have influenced crypto markets, Bitcoin itself remains a neutral, universal currency. It’s a tool that belongs to no single party or ideology. Share how Bitcoin began as a protest against traditional banking systems and how its decentralized nature has empowered marginalized communities worldwide. If Uncle Joe remains skeptical, recommend A Progressive’s Case for Bitcoin by Jason Maier, which unpacks Bitcoin’s progressive potential and its ability to create financial equality.

Once politics is out of the way, brace yourself for Aunt Cynthia’s questions about memecoins. Coins like DOGE, SHIB, and the latest buzz around PNUT might seem frivolous, but they’ve captured cultural imagination. While it’s hard to argue the merits of Fartcoin over mashed potatoes, remind everyone that crypto’s true value lies in its ability to deliver efficient financial services. For the 1.4 billion people excluded from traditional banking, crypto offers a way to save, borrow, and grow wealth. Memecoins might grab headlines, but they’re just a fun byproduct of a technology that’s changing lives globally.

The next challenge might come from Cousin Lisa, who insists that crypto is no different from stocks. Point out the key differences—crypto assets are decentralized, peer-to-peer, and free from custodial control. Unlike traditional stocks, which are administered by brokers or centralized institutions, crypto gives you direct ownership and control over your funds. Highlight the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), which enables ordinary people to access financial tools like loans and high-interest savings without the need for middlemen. Crypto isn’t just another payday for Wall Street; it’s a revolution in financial sovereignty.

Of course, someone will bring up the risks of crypto, recalling the stories of financial frauds or losses from the last market cycle. Acknowledge the volatility but also emphasize the long-term rewards. Bitcoin has been the best-performing asset for over a decade, with an average annual return of 671% since 2013. Share success stories like El Salvador, which turned its controversial Bitcoin investment into over $500 million in holdings while boosting its economy and lowering crime rates. Even Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom, has quietly amassed over $1 billion in Bitcoin, proving that strategic investment in crypto can pay off handsomely.

Finally, prepare for Grandpa’s argument that “crypto isn’t real.” Explain how Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins makes it akin to gold, providing scarcity and long-term value. Contrast it with fiat currencies, which have lost purchasing power due to inflation and overprinting. Bitcoin, backed by a decentralized network of miners and adopted by governments and institutions worldwide, is as real and impactful as any tangible asset. For anyone wondering why prices at the grocery store keep rising, Bitcoin offers a compelling hedge against inflation.

If all else fails, remember that these conversations are about planting seeds, not converting skeptics overnight. Grandma asking about “the dog coin” again might feel frustrating, but it’s also proof that crypto has entered the mainstream. And isn’t that worth a toast?