In the past weeks, one or the other may have secretly missed the time when you weren’t allowed to celebrate on a large scale because of Corona and the restrictions that came with it. And if you sit next to each other, at least you have a topic where everyone contributes something. There was heated debate about preventive measures and the vaccination situation. This year, too, one or the other will put an end to Corona again before the anthem. Or any other subject that is not suitable for small talk.
Hot topics are hard to kill
Anja Niederhauser (42) said in a recent interview with Blick that often the same issues spark controversy. You can argue that out for sure, says the theologian and author of the “Crisis in Life” guidebook. Or you can deliberately agree on a ceasefire for that matter.”
It sounds good – but calling the struggling relative before the family celebration and asking them not to talk about their favorite topic might encourage them to start talking again after the first glass of red wine. Niederhauser is also aware of this. “Don’t expect miracles, even at Christmas,” she says.
Relatives are usually people whom, in most cases, the person would normally have nothing to do. Therefore, the only really good advice is to put yourself first in your celebration of love. You don’t want to let anything or anyone ruin your evening. Then neither do you!