Keeping Your Family Happy at Christmas

It’s November and time to face the fact that Christmas really is around the corner. If, like me, you are dreading the idea of a full house and worried about the annual bickering that usually ensues within the family, then here are my top five ways to keep the family happy at Christmas.

1. Have Plenty of Games to Play

In our day-to-day lives we are surrounded by technology and often forget about the enjoyment of a simple board game. Anything from a pack of cards to full blown family board games, can lift the spirits of everyone in the room and help to encourage a truly ‘happy’ Christmas. Try to pick games that are not too competitive though. Something light and entertaining would be the best option when the booze is flowing such as Trivial Pursuit, Jenga or Yahtzee. Alternatively, there are loads of other game ideas online or you could play games on the Wii, Playstation or Xbox. Just make sure there are enough controllers for everyone and that there is plenty of room to avoid controller related injuries.

2. Find Out Everyone's Favourite Christmas Treat

Last year my Dad stole the last and only bit of crispy bacon on the Turkey. This is literally my favourite bit and he took it. I was not happy. We all get caught up on a favourite Christmas treat or moment that we can’t wait to recreate or enjoy each year. It is important to us and if we don’t get it we feel sad. Ask everyone what their one favourite Christmas treat is before the day and try to make sure they have it or, better yet, ask them to bring it! Whether it’s a snowball, ginger biscuits, mince pies, watching the movie A Christmas Carol or having a Christmas stocking. If all of the family – including any new additions– have their favourite thing, they will be happy and less inclined to argue.

3. Get the Food and Drink in Early

Often members of the family haven’t seen each other for a long time or perhaps don’t usually socialise for good reason. Don’t leave them all in a room without food and drink for too long. Either have the Christmas dinner early or have plenty of snacks ready from the get go. I am of course not encouraging irresponsible drinking – but if you know that your Uncle Bob likes to have his ginger wine and Nana Pat needs her brandy - then have their drinks ready asap. We have all been there. Once we have the food in our bellies and drink in our hand we couldn't be happier!

4. Music & Lighting

During the Christmas dinner, music and lighting is really important to get the festive feel and put everyone in a positive mood for the day. If you don’t like the usual cheesy Christmas songs then get an acoustic album or try to find alternative Christmas music and have it playing quietly in the background to allow for conversation. This combined with the Christmas lights and candles will encourage a good atmosphere. Before you begin the meal, ask everyone to open their crackers, tell their jokes and wear their hats. And don’t forget to get a family picture in early before everyone starts to unravel from too much turkey and wine.

5. Have Some Funny Presents in the Evening

So you have all had a lovely day, opened and probably played with most of your presents. Your tummies are full, your head feels heavy and you all start to come back to earth. Christmas is nearly over. This is a good time to bring out a surprise Santa’s Sack of goodies. These can be silly smaller gifts that are useful such as gadgets, games or £1 store items. Just the process of passing the bag around the room and picking a gift from the bag will perk everyone up again. Better yet add a joke into the wrapping paper for each gift.

I hope these tips help you out this year. I have already ordered a new board game and a couple of extra controllers for the Wii to help with my family Christmas. Please do share any ideas you have with me on Twitter @EdwardPhelan1 using #ChristmasIdeas and take a moment to check out the rest of my articles on The Spoon Drawer