06 Ways To Diffuse Christmas Arguments And Negativity

Thank you, Lou Farrell, for writing this fantastic post on diffusing Christmas arguments and negativity.

---

Christmas is a time for fun with the family. However, sometimes, arguments and adverse events can ruin the holiday. In this guest post, learn how to diffuse Christmas arguments and negativity.

Christmas should be a joyous event spent with family and friends. However, when Christmas causes arguments and strife, you need to manage your emotions and actions not to ruin your day. Of course, this is easier said than done, but there are a few helpful tips and tricks to diffuse Christmas arguments and negativity.

Check out her previous guest post.

• How To Be A Kinder Person

How To Diffuse Christmas Arguments

Alcohol

One of the problems over Xmas is alcohol consumption. This is not a problem for many, but some people can become argumentative after a few glasses of sherry. However, if you are hosting Christmas, you will generally be in charge of the drinks, and seeking these out will help avoid certain combative situations. Or choose every other drink to be non-alcoholic; there are many new brands out there that taste just as good as an alcoholic beverage, and you could start a new Christmas tradition.

But, if you are not the host, you have little control over the drinks situation. All you can do is make sure you don’t have too much.

Alcohol loses our inhibition, and sometimes, those things you have kept quiet about are suddenly blurted out if you have too much to drink. Be in control of your emotions, and you will have a more enjoyable time; alcohol isn’t necessary to get the most out of Christmas; it is all about being with loved ones and sharing.

Long-Held Grievances

Under the surface can bubble myriad things, and when we are together with family, they seem to know where our weak spots are. If you have long-held grievances, Christmas will likely be when they will air. You should seek counseling beforehand to get to grips with the matter. Also, you should avoid alcohol as this is likely to loosen your tongue.

If you know other people holding grievances, don’t sit them together or opposite at the dinner table; keep them apart as much as possible. You can diffuse any situation before it starts by asking one of them to help you in the kitchen if they sit near each other afterward.

Games are usually good to alleviate grievances before they begin; again, try to avoid placing them in opposing teams.

Ungrateful Children & Adults

Most of us have had times where we have spent ages finding the perfect gift for a loved one, and it hasn’t been received how we would expect it. This can hurt, and you can carry the injustice of it throughout the day.

It may lead to friction and arguments, but you cannot control how another will react to the gift that you have given; you can only control your reactions. By being aware that you choose to be annoyed or calm, you can stop it from affecting you.

If someone has been pessimistic about the gift you have given, take some deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. You can also try EFT tapping. Tap your thumb and forefinger together while saying in your mind, ‘This doesn’t matter; it is only one day.’

Arguments Over Games

Although games have already been mentioned as a way to bring joy to your household, there can be times, usually alcohol-infused, when certain games are not the best for grouping the family. For example, ones that call upon other persons or group knowledge can lead to arguments, whereas old-fashioned games like charades are much more conducive to better playtime.

Avoid games with a combative element, such as those with a timer or where someone’s lack of knowledge will be on show. Choose games with silliness, and when people laugh, there is little room for hostility.

Greedy Goblins

Some people have an insatiable appetite, and when it comes to Xmas food, they view it as a never-ending supply and will happily eat more than their fill without qualms or worries if there is enough to go around.

If you have a greedy goblin at the dinner table, you might want to consider serving the food on the plates before they arrive. Or you could place items on the table and act as host, dishing them out to your guests rather than them helping themselves.

The other alternative is to supply the greedy goblin with more food than they can surely eat. The food that usually salivates everyone is pigs in blankets and roast potatoes, so make sure you have more than your usual quota.

Guests That Won’t Leave

Some guests do not know when it is time to leave. It could be rolling into midnight, and they are still making merry and wanting the evening to continue while you have wanted to go to bed for the past couple of hours.

There are a couple of ways you can handle this. You can either put on your pajamas and give an obvious clue by starting to yawn, or if they don’t quite grasp this, dig out an old quilt or sleeping bag, give it to them, and invite them to stay the night and allow you to go to bed.

The latter usually has two effects: they realize it is late, want the comfort of their bed, or stay the night. If you are uncomfortable with them waiting and they haven’t heard your suggestions to leave, let them know you have an early start in the morning and need to go to bed; this usually works.

In Summary

Christmas is a time for sharing and joy; hopefully, you won’t have to worry about arguments. Still, they can happen, and biting your tongue and deep breathing can help alleviate any rising emotions. So, if you plan a little, your Christmas can run smoothly, and everyone can enjoy themselves.

Have you ever argued over something at Christmas? How did you diffuse it? Let us know in the comments.