It's almost Christmas! This means for most people that Christmas dinner awaits, a time for good food, shiny decorations, and... family drama. You know, the aunt that won't stop asking about your (non-existing) love life, your cousin that randomly throws in an extreme political statement, and your grandma that makes comments on what you are wearing. Sounds familiar?
Well then, I am here for you! This guide will help you get through the evening with a smile (and without a headache). From avoiding awkward questions to handling family games without drama, we've got some tips and tricks to help you make it through Christmas dinner without losing your holiday spirit—or your cool! Ready to make this years’ Christmas dinner one to remember – in a good way? Let's get started!
1. Sit strategically!
Choose your seat wisely! Sit yourself next to the relative who’s more interested in complimenting the potatoes than grilling you about your career choices. I mean, talking about your food is always better than sitting next to your aunt Karen that can only talk about Gen-Z being lazy, taxes becoming too high or how she got kicked out of her self-made Facebook group. My advice, sit next to the person that isn't likely to say much, the person that also doesn't like this forced family dinner, and stay away as far as possible from your aunt!
2. Plan an escape plan
When things do get heated during the dinner, stand up and say that you have to check if the dessert is ready, or if it needs some finishing touches. Of course, the dessert is fine, you just had to get away but nobody will know that this is your excuse. Perfect escape plan if you ask me. And if you are lucky, you can maybe already try a small piece of it without anyone noticing! If you can't escape for dessert, then try to ask if anyone wants something to drink or if they want bread. They will think about how family-oriented and thoughtful you are, while all you are doing is trying to get away from them.
3. Answer the awkward question with weird answers
If someone asks you awkward questions such as ‘How is your love life?’ or ‘How is school going?’, answer them with the most unexpected and weird reply you can think of. Such as, ‘I’ve decided to date exclusively in the metaverse now- virtual love is so much less complicated’ or pass the question back to make them look stupid for asking: ‘School is going well, but let’s talk about your school days—were the dinosaurs nice?’. These answers make the person rethink their question before asking new ones. They will probably just end up shutting up from the sheer shock of your response before they could even think of any new questions. Rude you think? Naw, just being clever!
4. Use earplugs to mute
Is your little sister being annoying again? How she is constantly yapping and bragging about how she is the greatest and how she won another Roblox round of ‘Dress to impress.’ and that she is asking you for suggestions on what to buy with the Robux that she received from Santa Claus. Just make sure you have an earplug in your back pocket, put it in the ear that is closest to your little sister et voilà. You may hear some vague yapping, but after a while you will completely forget about her and won't hear her anymore. Another problem solved!
5. Make a fashion statement
This one is only for the ones that don't mind hearing their grandma's opinion on what you're wearing and the ones that don't mind being in the spotlight for the evening. Go bold with your outfit. Wear something so wild—think glitter-covered reindeer antlers, a sweater that lights up or a skirt over pants—that nobody can stop talking about it. Suddenly, your dad’s questions about your grades don’t matter when you’re officially crowned to “the one with the epic light-up sweater.” With this tip, you’ll breeze through Christmas dinner like a pro. Who knows? You might even enjoy yourself.
Congratulations, Christmas dinner warrior! With these tips in your festive arsenal, you’re fully equipped to dodge Aunt Karen’s grilling, outsmart awkward questions, and even turn family drama into moments of hilarity. Whether you’re strategically seated next to the least chatty relative, dazzling everyone with your fashion statement, or pretending to check on dessert for the 10th time, you’ve got this. At the end of the day, Christmas dinner is about making memories—some good, some weird, and some you’ll laugh about for years. So, embrace the chaos, keep your cool, and don’t forget to grab an extra slice of Tiramisu (you didn't check for nothing). Because no matter what happens, you’re leaving with a full belly and one more holiday story to tell.
Merry Christmas, and may your dinner be as stress-free as possible!
