Keep Calm and Carry On this Christmas!

Christmas is supposed to be the most magical time of the year, but for many couples it can be difficult to manage everyone’s expectations and get through the day without a festive fallout. According to a 2010 Yougov poll, 15% of Brits expect to have an argument on Christmas Day, with 46% thinking it will be with their partner. So how can you prevent a row with your loved one?

A good place to start is to make a Christmas plan together as a couple. Agree on the basics such as where you will be staying, who you need to buy presents for, if you are cooking for everyone, and how much to spend on the kids. Make sure you let everyone know what they’re doing beforehand. This will prevent later arguments as you will have a clear plan to stick to. If you can’t agree on how to please everyone, take the pressure off by agreeing to do Christmas one way this year and trying another way next year.

Be prepared to adapt to plans, and try not to focus too much on rigid family traditions. Instead, consider what might be best for everyone. Focus on what’s going well. If everyone’s happy, no one will care if the Brussels sprouts are overcooked!

Its normal for couples to bicker and Christmas is no different, but there’s no need to let a small issue put a dampener on the day. Don’t let arguments become worse by obsessing over what’s been said or taking offence. Try to let it go, and focus on the positives.

It is also important to manage your priorities. The children may be pressuring you to get the coolest new toy for Christmas, but the important thing is to focus on family, and spending quality time together, rather than splashing your cash on the fanciest presents. Remember that children will be excited just to spend the whole day with their parents, especially if both work full-time.

Do you always argue at Christmas? Do you find it hard to please everyone and manage expectations? Do you make solid plans for Christmas, or do you just expect it all to happen?