Five tips for surviving Christmas Eve

"After a good dinner, you don't blame anyone, not even your own family"

, said Oscar Wilde.

Happy is he who, past Christmas Eve, can say the same.

Whether or not you enjoy the dishes presented on the table this evening, Christmas is the time of year when everyone does everything possible to show their loyalty and affection for their close family.

But it happens that the moment of communion turns into a storm.

Disagreements, revelations, mockery… Between the pear and the cheese, the word is freed and the situation escalates.

In order to keep a pleasant memory of this dinner,

interviewed Anne Kalicky, author of a

(Tana), children's novels, and editorial director.

She delivers her recommendations to emerge unscathed from this event which, after all, remains a sacred moment.

To discover

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1. Express interest

Very often, Christmas is an opportunity to see a large circle of relatives, family members that we appreciate more or less.

Also, for some, the temptation is great to remain silent throughout the evening.

But it's also about finding people you haven't seen for a long time.

A solitary uncle, a cousin living abroad, an aunt very busy with her job… Let's dare to renew contact.

A thousand questions are to be asked to provoke a friendly exchange:

,

,

.

Talking about yourself can also be a good way to break the ice.

But be careful, it's better to avoid spoiling the atmosphere by unpacking your financial problems, for example.

2. Avoid angry topics

It is a classic of French family meals.

And this, regardless of the social and personal context of the assembly (even if these, of course, greatly determine the content of the conversations).

After talking about children, vacations, television series, or even food, we can't help but talk about the social, political and economic news of the country.

Unnecessary provocations or getting into the game of provocateurs must be avoided.

Anne Kalicky

But there is a blunder not to commit so as not to embark on a slippery slope: to broach subjects related to politics, religion, or sexuality if we know our differences on the question from the outset.

It is therefore necessary to avoid unnecessary provocations or to enter the game of provocateurs.

3. Turn things around

How to decline the invitation to a debate during the meal?

Rather than looking like a bad-mannered bastard by pouring yourself another portion of chestnuts, just to keep your mouth full, admit that you don't want to take part, that you don't have any arguments on the matter, or that the subject is completely foreign to you.

There is nothing worse than arguing without knowing anything about it.

But when you are left with no choice, or, worse, you are asked an embarrassing or indiscreet question, you have to act!

The best thing is to respond quickly and reverse the situation by asking the same questions to your interlocutor.

The objective is not to be violent.

Read alsoTen tips from an oenologist to talk about wine like an expert

4. Take care of sensitivities

After four hours spent at the table, face to face, the verb easy, it is very likely that the tone rises between guests.

As true as it is better not to react to a disturbing joke than to point out its incorrectness and cause chaos, it is advisable to cut short any escalating debate and say openly:

But if you want to continue the discussion while contributing to the maintenance of a good atmosphere, it is better to spare the sensitivities.

It is possible to blow your nose at your interlocutor if you are accountable to him, but in this case, doing it in private, taking the person aside, is what it is agreed to do.

5. Dare to lie

To win the good graces of those you may not see again until next year and to whom you wish to leave fond memories, hold on until the log, or even the coffee and the orangettes.

It would be unfortunate to slam the door after falling out with everyone.

It could be regrettable.

If the situation is definitely untenable, claim a sudden fatigue, an imperative like having to get up early the next day, or even a recommendation to rest from your doctor.

A pinch of lies is sometimes necessary for family peace.