4 Ways to Survive a Family Christmas
It’s been a funny old year, hasn’t it? And by ‘funny’ we mean ‘just a little bit fraught’. For this reason there might be a few people out there who are dreading the annual Christmas family gathering and getting a bit worried about the prospect of some differing opinions on various events taking place over the turkey and stuffing. However, worry not (or not too much), because we’ve put together a My Favourite Voucher Codes guide on how to survive a family Christmas and come out the other side not wanting to disown anyone…
Festive Drinks
Now, proceed with caution on this one because it could go one of two ways. Bonding over a nice tipple and raising a glass to all the good things that have happened in 2016 (we’re sure you can come up with something if you think hard enough) is a nice idea in theory and what we’re aiming for here. But too much libation and you could end up at the other end of the spectrum by encouraging alcohol-fuelled disagreements. Probably best to invest in some good quality wine and emphasise that it should be enjoyed and appreciated in small quantities, and our Waitrose Cellar voucher codes can help as they’re currently offering 25% off fine wine.
Personal Space
If you’re celebrating the season in your own home, if possible see if you can put aside a ‘chill out’ area, somewhere anyone can escape to if they need to let off some steam and avoid offending an elderly relative by challenging their somewhat dated views on various issues of the day. And if you’re going to someone else’s house, be prepared and make enquiries about available nooks/sheds/outdoor spaces that might suit. Not a strange request in the slightest.
Christmas Confectionery
Whereas alcoholic drinks have the potential to make the situation worse, there’s no such problems when it comes to Christmas confectionery (unless it contain liqueur of course). If it’s all getting too much then barricade yourself away with a big tin of Quality Street, and if you think the relative’s house you’re visiting might be lacking in such provisions then bring your own. For an extra special treat, why not use a Hotel Chocolat promo code to save 10% on your order? You’re worth it.
TV to Bond Over
There are certain programmes you shouldn’t watch with your family if you want to avoid arguments, Question Time for example. Luckily there’s no place for that sort of thing on the Christmas TV schedules being as they are filled to the brim with heart-warming movies, Christmas comedy specials and ‘best of’ compilations. It is at Christmas, more than any other time of year, that you’re able to find at least one programme you can stick on which will satisfy most or all family members and will give you at least 30 minutes of peace. And if not, well, there’s always HMV discount codes that get you 2 for £10 on a large choice of DVDs where you’re sure to find at least one crowd pleaser.
We can’t guarantee no family arguments whatsoever, but at least this guide might help stave off the inevitable for a little while at any rate. Just make sure you have enough provisions and contingency plans to last the entire stay or you might be in trouble come Boxing Day…
By Anna Scott, 21st December 2016