Finally, Christmas has come: the snow is falling softly, the children are laughing merrily, the aromatic Christmas scents are coming from the kitchen, the dinner table is festively set. It is something special to gather all your dear relatives and acquaintances around you at Christmas. But unfortunately, if the wrong topic is opened or someone gets the wrong joke, the peace is gone.
“Tell me, Isabelle, how long have you been single? Others your age already have kids.”
Faced with this question, singles surrounded by curious relatives you haven’t seen in a year get scared again every year. If you haven’t started a relationship by Christmas, you should listen to everything: «I know a colleague who studies medicine and also has a single son. That’ll be perfect for you” or “If you wait any longer, you’ll be alone forever”. Couples also often have to put up with questions about family planning. To avoid embarrassing moments at the dinner table, it’s better not to ask people about their relationship status at the plenary. the lucky one will probably announce it himself.
“I’ve had diarrhea for three days, I have terminal cancer according to Google.”
This rule applies when it comes to food: don’t have a detailed discussion about any bodily waste, please! Unfortunately, no one wants to know what it looks like when the doctor removes a huge abscess. Nor does it exactly describe the sound of a bone breaking—especially when gnawing a turkey leg. Save the stories for later, before anyone’s appetite is spoiled.
“We must boycott the World Cup in Qatar”
It’s not easy to have a civilized politics discussion, especially when left and right guests are gathered around a table. Everyone wants to be right, no one wants to surrender. Research proves this: Contrary to all claims, political debates are not always factual, but rather emotional. When the arguments are over, you repeat the same thing a little louder. Politics is important, but do you need to talk about it at Christmas dinner? Lively discussions on controversial topics can also be held after a meal, when everyone is well fed and relaxed.
“What’s a blonde doing in a rice field?”
Blonde jokes are shallow at best and sexist at worst. It may be funny among friends, but the reaction at the family table will likely be an angry look. Blondes aren’t the only populations that have become the crux of controversial humor – it’s best to keep inappropriate jokes to yourself. For the sake of peace, the gallows humor is left alone until the end of the meal.
“Michi has two 6’s on his report card this school year.”
As the saying goes: Pride precedes fall! But if you brag too much, your mood quickly plummets. You can be proud of last year’s achievements. But before someone who hasn’t had a successful year feels personally attacked, it’s better to remain tactful.
“I will lose weight with the keto diet in the new year.”
Christmas is one of the only times of the year you’re allowed to truly stuff yourself. No one wants to think about how much weight you’ve gained and how you’ll get rid of it by summer.
“The meat is tough, the potatoes are a little wet, and the vegetables are soft.”
When it comes to Fondue Chinoise, everyone is responsible for their own meat. But anyone who takes the time to create an elaborate Christmas menu deserves respect. A person who sweats in the kitchen for hours cannot tolerate criticism at the New Year’s table. Even if the roast is hard and soft, it is better to shut up and ask for salt shaker.
“You hear? There must be a crisis between Berta and Urs.”
If everyone at the Christmas table hasn’t seen each other in a year, you naturally want to know what you’re missing. But is Christmas the best time to gossip? You spilled something before you even knew it, and family gossip leads to family gossip.
What else can you talk about at the Christmas table?
From popular culture to science and current news. From school or work to travel, food and trivia.
There are lots of good topics for the Christmas table – as long as it’s based on mutual respect, of course.