We've all been through it. We go around wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. We spend a fortune on gifts for family and friends. And then, we get together with them. Which doesn't always end up so merry.
In fact, in a recent survey conducted by American Addiction Centers, 4 in 5 people said they have at least one member of their extended family who annoys them. And Iowa respondents reported that about 1 out of every 5 family holiday get togethers descend into drunken arguments. With nearly 6 in 10 reporting that they have at family members who become confrontational after drinking at family gatherings.
Unsurprisingly, politics is the main subject of division. As confirmed by a third of those surveyed. But old family tensions are a close second, at 29%. 17% said that money, and taking games meant to be fun far too seriously are big areas of contention. While 5% say sibling rivalry is a major problem. And 3% say drama over the cooking is a culprit.
But there's a simple way to have a calm, merry Christmas in spite of all that. And it shouldn't be really all that much of a surprise to anyone. Avoid contentious topics like politics and that one time that thing happened a long time ago that people are still a bit resentful about. And avoid getting drunk.
That is, if you want to stay on Santa's nice list.
